It's the season to tailgate and some fans really know how to do it right. Before your next trip to a football game, let the Web teach you how to tailgate like a pro. Forget the good china. Take a break from your low-fat diet. Grab a roll of paper towels and get ready to party!

Though the occasional bottle of wine or wheel of brie appear, pre-game festivities are generally ruled by grilled meats, finger foods and beer. Die-hard tailgaters know how to safely prepare meats and keep their potato salad cold. They whip up their favorite fare, arrive at the parking lot early and settle in for a long day of food, fun and sports.

For pre-game dining tips, consult:

• Tailgater's Handbook
  Author Joe Drozda's recipes have been, undoubtedly, tried and tested by hundreds of diehard tailgaters. Delicacies such as bratwurst, turkey chili, lost hamburger soup, Italian baked beans and cinnamon bars are sure to tame a wild and hungry crowd. This site offers handy food storage tips and urges people to take great care when handling meat and other food items.
  
  
• Tailgating America
  As the world's only professional tailgater, Joe Cahn is known as the Commissioner of Tailgating. Gathered from years on the job, he shares tips for planning a safe and fun party. Joe says "keep it simple" with old favorites like hot dogs, brats and hamburgers, but a "tailgating breakfast" and Green Bay bagel dip are two innovative recipes his fans suggest.
  
  
  
  
  
• The Tailgater
  This Webzine, dedicated to mobile partiers everywhere, offers tips and recipes for parking lot fare (look in the Archive section). Beer Bird and Rib Rub are sure to make tastebuds dance in the endzone. Short articles like "Don't Let Sal Monella Ruin Your Tailgate" and "Hot Cross Hot Dogs" can be found under "Tips O' the Month."
  
  
• The American Tailgater
  From football snack helmets and cordless blenders to collapsible coolers on wheels, this online store has something for the tailgater who has everything.
  
  
• Seattle Traders
  This store offers tailgating goodies like picnic sets, tableware and beverage can replica coolers. Certainly no pre-game party is complete without a "Keg-a-Que Gas Grill."