FORT WAYNE, IND. ? You’ve been hosting backyard barbecues all summer, but now it’s time to take the show on the road. Tailgating season when American families and friends pack up the party and follow their favorite teams has begun.

Whether you’re headed across town for your child’s soccer game or across the region for a Big 12 football matchup, you can turn the trip into a fantastic fan extravaganza. Here are tailgating tips from experts:

Kansas University fans Rex and Lisa Henoch, Olathe, grill up some hamburgers and bratwurst before KU's game against Southwest Missouri State University at Memorial Stadium. They were among many KU fans tailgating Saturday before the game. With football season under way, tailgaters want to keep safety in mind while gearing up to cheer on their team with food and friends.

Plan your picnic meal and shop for ingredients in advance. Select simple dishes that are easy to transport and easy to eat outdoors.

Pack the car the night before so you’re ready to roll bright and early. Anything nonperishable chairs, blankets, radios, utensils and so on can be stowed ahead of time.

Make your own freezer packs. Melting ice can get messy. Instead, freeze tap water in clean plastic milk jugs or purchased bottled water and use them to keep food cold in your insulated cooler. And by the time the final buzzer sounds, you’ll have cool drinking water.

Marinate meats the night before. Put your chops or chicken breasts into heavy-duty plastic zipper bags, then pour marinade on top. Refrigerate overnight, then pack the meat still in the bags in your picnic cooler. It will be ready to grill when you get to your destination.

Pack with purpose. Place the items you’ll need first into the cooler last. To avoid cross-contamination of food, use one cooler for raw meat and a second cooler for prepared foods and drinks.

Choose a designated driver or two if you are going to drink beer, wine or liquor. Be sure to stock the ice tub with plenty of festive, nonalcoholic options for the nondrinkers.

Consider using disposable flatware, plates, cups and food containers to simplify serving and cleaning up.

Bring clean-up supplies. You’ll need moist towelettes and hand sanitizer or anti-bacterial liquid soap for pre- and post-dinner hand washing. Don’t forget the garbage bags so you can dispose of leftovers, beverage cans, paper trash and plastic utensils after you eat.

Go early. Arrive at the stadium about four hours before the event starts. Plan to eat at least 1 1/2 hours before the game.

Scope out a great parking place. Experienced tailgaters look for prime parking spots at the spacious end of a row, anywhere near grass and trees, or close to (but upwind from) portable restrooms.

Line charcoal grills with heavy-duty aluminum foil to make cleanup easier. Remember to bring the briquets, starter and matches. Use charcoal grills outdoors only. And never throw hot coals into trash containers.

Make sure grilled meats are cooked thoroughly. Start grilling early enough that you aren’t tempted to rush cooking in order to see the game. Use a thermometer to check for safe internal temperatures of hamburger (165 degrees) and chicken (180 degrees) before serving. Consider grilling precooked meats, such as hot dogs.

Throw out leftovers that have been sitting at room temperature or warmer for more than two hours.

Mark your vehicle with a flag on a pole, windsock or Mylar balloon filled with helium. In smaller stadium parking lots, this will help you find your way back after the game or after a trek to the portable restrooms. Two-way radios also help parties stick together.

Create a tailgating kit of necessities, such as first-aid supplies, flashlight, bug repellent, sunscreen, rain ponchos, weather radio, towels, corkscrew and utility knife.

Dress in layers so you can add or remove clothes as the weather changes. Wear comfortable shoes.

Show your team spirit. Decorate your car with rah-rah slogans, team pennants or crepe paper. Wear team-logo shirts, pants, jackets, socks and giant foam-rubber headgear. Practice your cheers.