Yeah, a blow out football party in the barracks is possible. Yeah, you might get noise complaints. No, it might not be looked upon kindly by your CoC. Should you do it? Heck, yes!
Host a Blow Out Football Party in Your Barracks Room
It’s fall, which means football season. Whether you’re a die-hard SEC fan or you prefer the highly paid athletes of the NFL, football games call for parties.
If you can’t get to the stadium to tailgate, you can still invite some battle buddies to your space for a super chill game night bash.
(Okay, you can totally use these tips outside of the barracks, too)
Make Like Mom & Slow Cook
Nothing says football like food – and lots of it! Keep your energy going for the whole game or day with hearty, stick-to-your-ribs dishes. Just like Mom used to make.
Plus, if you can invest in a slow cooker, you’re going to open up a whole new world of food away from the chow hall. Total bonus.
Slow-Cooked Ribs
You’ll need:
- slow cooker, the bigger the better
- 1-2 racks of ribs (fewer racks for a smaller cooker)
- your favorite BBQ sauce
- can of Coke or Dr. Pepper
- seasonings: paprika, cinnamon (trust me), salt, pepper, brown sugar, cloves
- onion, sliced into rings
How to:
- Spray the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray; chop the onion into rings
- Put a layer of onion on the bottom, then a layer of ribs – breaking them into smaller chunks to fit the cooker; repeat layering until all ribs and onions are used
- Dump bottle of BBQ sauce + can of soda + seasonings of your choice into the slow cooker
- Set on low for 6-8 hours
- Eat
Slow-Cooked Meatball Subs
You’ll need:
- frozen pre-cooked meatballs
- 1-2 jars your favorite marinara sauce
- sub rolls
- cheese and toppings for making meatball subs
How to:
- Add frozen meatballs and sauce to slow cooker
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours OR high for 1-2 hours
- Serve meatballs with rolls and toppings
Round out your feast with chips, dips and salsa. If you’re more health-minded, and you should be because that PFT deadline is closing in, reach for hummus and veggie sticks. You can get pre-sliced veggies at the Commissary!
For a no-prep meal, order a bunch of sandwich meats and cheeses from the deli. Provide some sub rolls and toppings for DIY hoagies!
Prep the Tech
Honestly, you’re probably better at this part than me so I’ll leave the logistics and wiring up to you. (But 100% take my word on the cooking – I’m really good at feeding a group of hungry Marines!)
Basically, you’re going to want to make sure that you have optimized your viewing options. You’re not a one-game kind of crowd.
Set up multiple screens – TVs, laptops, iPads – to watch several games at once. Work with your buddies to combine your financial resources and tech know-how. You’re going to want to make sure that you have access to all the networks and viewing platforms. Do this part before the weekend. Or, actually, I’m guessing you’ve got this covered.
Put Your Field Gear to Good Use
Got some clean(ish) sleeping bags or camp stools? Pull out the field gear to create slightly more comfortable seating options for everyone.
Just maybe shake everything out once or twice outside. No one wants to be surprised by a huntsman spider on their head, am I right?
Word to the Wise
Gents (and ladies), if you’re hosting this shindig in or around your barracks room, it pays to keep a cool (and soberish) head on your shoulders.
Don’t be obnoxiously intoxicated. That’s a bonafide way to get extra PT on Monday or NJPed with litter picking. No one wants that, but especially not you. Having Top rip you a new one first thing is extremely unpleasant.
Watch the underage drinking. If you’re drinking around those who are under 21 years old, be on your guard. It’s still technically illegal to knowingly serve alcohol to people under the legal age.
Keep the noise down – someone might be trying to sleep off a few weeks in the field. Remember how tired you were after a few nights or weeks spent on the hard ground, “camping” with your closest buds in the cold, fall air? Yeah, that guy down the hall just got back and he’s tired. Be respectful of his sleep.
Most importantly: Do not, under any circumstance, drink and drive. Getting a DUI can often spell the end of your promising military career and a black mark on your permanent record. Plus, you could seriously injure or kill someone – yourself included. If you or any of your buddies need to leave the barracks post-game, call a cab, a ride-share or designate a sober driver.
