Falcon fans have waited a long time to tailgate this late in the season.
It’s uncharted territory. So here are some apps, technology and gear that fans may need for preparing for the big game and ultimate tailgate party this weekend.
Apps
NFL Mobile for iPhone, iPad and Android
The NFL’s postseason app. Get live audio, NFL videos and game highlights, breaking and headline news, national NFL blogs. For premium subscribers, iPhones also can access live video coverage, including the NFL Network 24/7 and NFL RedZone.
Atlanta Falcons for iPhone, iPad and Android
Get breaking news and see real-time statistics. After the game, watch the news conferences and keep up with postgame blogs. View photos and videos of your favorite highlights. This is the app to watch that potential San Francisco coach Jim Harbaugh meltdown over and over again.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution apps for smart phones and iPads
Read the write-ups and smack-downs leading up to the game and then track the live game action.
Weather Channel for iPhone, iPad and Android
January means unexpected weather in Atlanta. So before your tailgate, look at the weather with the Weather Channel’s updated app. Push alerts available. The app will tell you if that pop-up shower will ruin your pregame festivities, or if temperatures will spike into the 70s.
Tailgating Planner app for Android
For 99 cents, this app will tell you everything you need for the big tailgate. You won’t forget the cheese dip or hot dog buns. It includes a handy shopping checklist you can use over and over again.
iVIP Nightlife app for iPhone and iPad
The Falcons could go to the Super Bowl with a win. If that happens, come Sunday night you will want to celebrate. This app will tell you which clubs and bars are open and how to get VIP treatment. Somehow, I can’t get an image of Falcons owner Arthur Blank getting all “Gangnam Style” out of my head.
Tailgate Gear
Mobile Warming Gear
It’s January in Atlanta. That means it can be in the 70s one weekend and the teens the next week. Mobile Warming Gear is clothing with portable heaters embedded right in the fabric. Turn on the heat when you need it. The game may be inside the Dome, but the tailgates are outside. Keep warm.
EZ Grill
This is a grill that requires very little setup and zero cleanup. You break open the box, pull out the built-in stand and ignite the included charcoal briquettes. In less than 10 minutes, you’re good to grill burgers, dogs and even steak. You get four EZ Grills for about $25. Use them as needed but dispose the EZ Grills properly after use.
Barbecue sauces and rubs from Georgia
Barbecue and Georgia are synonymous, so pickup a bottle of any of the great local sauces and rubs made in-state for this weekend’s tailgate. From Williamson Bros. to Mrs. Griffin’s in Macon, you can’t go wrong. If you can’t cook your own, on the way to the game, stop in at Fox Brothers Bar-B-Q at 1238 DeKalb Avenue NE.
Atlanta Falcons NFC Champion T-shirts and hats
With a win, they should be available as you leave the Georgia Dome on Sunday night.
Rick Limpert is an Atlanta-based Yahoo sports and technology writer and CBS Atlanta’s Tailgate Fan columnist.
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