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How to Dress to Stay Warm At Football Games
September 22, 2025 at 12:09 PM EDT
By WeatherBug Meteorologist, Andrew Rosenthal
It’s autumn and game day - time to head for the tailgate and the football game! Typically, football games are held in the evenings in high school and during the day and evening in college, so the air will likely have a chill to it.
Here’s a few do’s and don’ts of clothing choice, so you can remain comfortable throughout the game during the chillier fall months.
Do: Dress in layers
Several layers are the best way to dress before you head to the game. It’s a lot easier to take the layers off if you get warm. And it’s a lot cheaper than the other option if you get cold - visiting the team store to buy a new sweatshirt or jacket.
Start with a cotton, light-fitting t-shirt. Bundle above that with a long-sleeved t-shirt or sweatshirt. Finally, top it all off with a warm jacket. Wear jeans, and for those chilly days put a pair of legwarmers on underneath. Cotton or lycra will keep the heat near your body. At the same time, don’t overdo it. Cheering for your favorite team requires standing up for long periods of time or jumping out of your seat for the big plays. You need to be able to dance and celebrate, so you don’t want to have the movement ability of a marshmallow.
Do: Wear hats and gloves!
Tailgating and game times in the fall and early winter months can be cold. Bring a comfy hat and gloves. Otherwise, you may spend the entire time trying to keep your hands warm and miss out on enjoying yourself.
Do: Plan for the time of the game
If it’s a college football game that starts at Noon, you’re probably starting to tailgate during the early morning hours, the coldest time of the day. If you’re coming back to your car before kickoff, it’s best layer up even more, and leave some of the clothes in the car. If it’s an evening game, you might be tailgating during the warmest time of day and arriving at the stadium when the weather cools off.
Do: Take a blanket
If you have room in the bag you’re taking into the stadium, bring a blanket with you. During an evening game, it’s a nice way to keep warm. If the weather is really cold, you might even make a few friends in the process.
Do: Wear your team’s colors
Since you’re wearing multiple layers, it’s important to make sure that you’re prepared to continue to cheer your team on, in case you need to take a layer off. Don’t want your t-shirt to be cheering for the rival team!
Don’t: Paint your body in your team’s colors
While showing that much team spirit may get you on television, the chilly temperatures common, especially at those late-season games, could lead to a rather uncomfortable rest of the night or even frostbite.
Don’t: Wear sunglasses at night
Remember the 80s song? Don’t do it! The stadium lights, at their brightest, aren’t that bright, and you’re more likely to scare someone.
The important thing when you head to a game is comfort. Whatever you choose to wear, make sure you’re comfortable.
Image: Fans braving the outdoor cold weather, cheer for their team on Feb. 17, 2020 during the outdoor hockey game between the U.S. Air Force Academy and Colorado College in Falcon Stadium.(U.S. Air Force photo/Trevor Cokley via Wikimedia Commons)
Here’s a few do’s and don’ts of clothing choice, so you can remain comfortable throughout the game during the chillier fall months.
Do: Dress in layers
Several layers are the best way to dress before you head to the game. It’s a lot easier to take the layers off if you get warm. And it’s a lot cheaper than the other option if you get cold - visiting the team store to buy a new sweatshirt or jacket.
Start with a cotton, light-fitting t-shirt. Bundle above that with a long-sleeved t-shirt or sweatshirt. Finally, top it all off with a warm jacket. Wear jeans, and for those chilly days put a pair of legwarmers on underneath. Cotton or lycra will keep the heat near your body. At the same time, don’t overdo it. Cheering for your favorite team requires standing up for long periods of time or jumping out of your seat for the big plays. You need to be able to dance and celebrate, so you don’t want to have the movement ability of a marshmallow.
Do: Wear hats and gloves!
Tailgating and game times in the fall and early winter months can be cold. Bring a comfy hat and gloves. Otherwise, you may spend the entire time trying to keep your hands warm and miss out on enjoying yourself.
Do: Plan for the time of the game
If it’s a college football game that starts at Noon, you’re probably starting to tailgate during the early morning hours, the coldest time of the day. If you’re coming back to your car before kickoff, it’s best layer up even more, and leave some of the clothes in the car. If it’s an evening game, you might be tailgating during the warmest time of day and arriving at the stadium when the weather cools off.
Do: Take a blanket
If you have room in the bag you’re taking into the stadium, bring a blanket with you. During an evening game, it’s a nice way to keep warm. If the weather is really cold, you might even make a few friends in the process.
Do: Wear your team’s colors
Since you’re wearing multiple layers, it’s important to make sure that you’re prepared to continue to cheer your team on, in case you need to take a layer off. Don’t want your t-shirt to be cheering for the rival team!
Don’t: Paint your body in your team’s colors
While showing that much team spirit may get you on television, the chilly temperatures common, especially at those late-season games, could lead to a rather uncomfortable rest of the night or even frostbite.
Don’t: Wear sunglasses at night
Remember the 80s song? Don’t do it! The stadium lights, at their brightest, aren’t that bright, and you’re more likely to scare someone.
The important thing when you head to a game is comfort. Whatever you choose to wear, make sure you’re comfortable.
Image: Fans braving the outdoor cold weather, cheer for their team on Feb. 17, 2020 during the outdoor hockey game between the U.S. Air Force Academy and Colorado College in Falcon Stadium.(U.S. Air Force photo/Trevor Cokley via Wikimedia Commons)