Football. Parking Lots. Grilled food. Three unmistakable signs that a new season is here—tailgating season. Many Arkansas Razorback fans will be camped out at War Memorial Stadium this weekend for the team's only Little Rock game of the season on Sept. 12. It's going to be an exciting afternoon of tailgating before the 3 p.m. kick-off time; for more info on tailgating at War Memorial, click here.

After the Razorback game against the University of Toledo, country music star Brad Paisley will perform in a free, post-game concert. The "Country Nation College Tour presented by Zaxby’s" will be set up outside War Memorial Stadium. The comedy band, The Raging Idiots, featuring Bobby Bones and Eddie from iHeartMedia’s national country radio program The Bobby Bones Show, will be the special guest.

Now, if you're watching the game on SEC Alternate and inviting your crew over for an afternoon of "homegating," here are a few ways to make your football fete as festive as possible. And, don't miss the recipe below for Kalamazoo Sliders, which can be easily grilled outside of the stadium or in the backyard!

Kick off with the grill

Get the grill off the sidelines! So many times the grill is in a corner, but that takes the host out of the game.

"Keep the grill close to the action," says Russ Faulk, grillmaster for Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet. "That way, the cook can talk with guests during the game."

As for the menu, Faulk recommends individual-sized appetizers like sliders and mini tacos.

Mix it up at halftime

Fire pits, smokers and pizza ovens make the party more interactive for guests. Pizza ovens get your guests involved in the cooking, and some companies offer countertop versions.

When the weather gets cooler, fire pits offer a place to warm up while watching the game outdoors. They also create opportunities for more activities, like making s’mores.

Headed to overtime

Let’s not forget the reason for the homegate: the game. Specialized TVs are made to stand up to the weather and keep the gang outdoors, simulating the stadium experience.

For a more budget-friendly option, tune in through wireless Bluetooth speakers that extend the call of the game to all corners of the yard.

For more ways to enhance the homegating experience, visit KalamazooGourmet.com.

Recipe: Kalamazoo Sliders

  • 1 red onion
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • fine sea salt
  • 4 pretzel rolls, about 3 inches in diameter
  • 1 pound (15 percent lean) ground beef
  • 4 ounces Cambozola cheese, cut into chunks
  • 4 cocktail skewers

Prepare the grill for direct grilling over high heat, about 700 F grill grate temperature.

Slice red onion into 3/4-inch thick slices. Oil both sides and season with salt. Reserve.

Slice pretzel rolls. On dessert plate, pour oil and dip cut sides of each roll to coat evenly. Season oiled side with salt. Reserve.

Form ground beef into patties 1-inch larger in diameter than rolls and about 3/4-inch thick. Recess center of patties so when burgers plump, they will turn out flat.

Brush each patty on all sides with olive oil and season with salt.

Grill onion slices until translucent and soft, about 10 minutes. Remove from grill, break slices down into rings and reserve.

Grill beef patties, turning once, 3-4 minutes per side. Flip patties, adding large ring of onion to each patty. Add small ring or two of onion inside larger ring. Add cheese on top of onion.

While cheese is melting and bottom of patties are cooking, lightly grill rolls.

Gently remove burgers when done and transfer directly onto pretzel rolls. Skewer each burger.

Serves 4.

Article courtesy of Family Features.