The football season officially started last week, and as usual, there are plenty of ways to celebrate and enjoy the season, including parties, tailgating, fantasy football, team apparel and, of course, the big game itself. Whether you’re a big fan or simply enjoy the celebration, the costs can add up quickly, but there are plenty of ways to tackle this football season with a few creative ideas and spending savviness. Here are some strategies you can use to enjoy the season while protecting your bank account:
Buy apparel for less:
One of the best ways to support your favorite team or player is to sport a great jersey, but these can be pricey. If you can wait, the best time to buy these is in the off-season — that’s when prices are lower. One trick to try to score a better deal is by checking the youth section. If you are a size small or medium, then you can likely get away with a large or extra-large youth size jersey.
No matter when you decide to buy, always check for ways to save first. Search for coupon codes and click through a cash back site before you buy any jerseys and apparel and you can often score significant discounts.
Party on the cheap:
From a Sunday afternoon in September to preparing to watch the big game, football parties can be a fun tradition and a great excuse to get together with friends. Don’t cringe when it comes time for you to host; instead, be smart about your preparing.
First, time your TV purchase. One thing you need to host a football party is a screen to watch the game. The best time to get that big screen TV you’ve been eyeing is around Black Friday. 2013 had a record number of deals, and early reports suggest that November to February will be the best time to score a deal. This approach obviously requires some advance planning.
Next, cook a few large dishes. Prepare a few dishes that are inexpensive to make in bulk, such as chili and punch. Your slow cooker can come in handy here, which is great for meatballs or soups that take little time to prepare but can hold a lot of food.
Don’t be shy about asking your friends to bring the rest. The potluck is a classic idea to make sure you have plenty of food to go around without spending days in the kitchen or too much money at the grocery store. Just make sure you assign food types to your guests (beverages, appetizer, dessert and others) so you don’t end up with duplicates.
You can also be smart with your decorations. You will see plenty of decorations with your team’s logo, but buying those can drive up the price. Instead, get simple decorations in team colors at the Dollar Store for a fraction of the cost. For other football-themed decoration ideas, turn to Pinterest, where you can see tons of great do-it-yourself ideas that are surprisingly easy and cheap.
Embrace DIY tailgating:
Chances are that if you’re tailgating, you have a ticket to watch the game in the stadium. However, one cheaper option is to skip the price of admission (and the cost of drinks and food inside) and stick to your outdoor setup. You can listen to the game on the radio, enjoy the fall weather with friends and play games, while enjoying food you made and prepared from home. Make sure to bring a separate radio so you don’t run down your vehicle battery.
For food, the more you can prepare at home, the easier it will be to enjoy the day. Marinate meats ahead of time, cut up vegetables and arrange food in various trays for easy serving. You will need a small grill to cook on during the day; stick to a basic tailgate model (you can find one under $40) if you’re not catering to a very large crowd. When you buy your meat, look for larger cuts of meat at the butcher and then cut it up into smaller pieces on your own. For chicken, opt for legs and thighs, which are flavorful but actually cheaper. Freeze water bottles instead of ice in coolers — you will save money on bagged ice, and have cold water to drink after they melt.
Football season doesn’t have to be expensive to be enjoyed. Go team!
More from U.S. News
12 Habits of Phenomenally Frugal Families
10 Strategies from Super-Saver Shoppers
Frugal Ways to Enjoy Football Season originally appeared on usnews.com