Make Your Outdoor Kitchen the Ultimate Game Day Headquarters

At System Pavers, we love football season because it brings people together. And when there's an especially "Big Game" on the calendar, it's an even better time to huddle up with family and friends in your outdoor kitchen! Whether you’re rooting for your favorite team or just there for the commercials and snacks, having an outdoor kitchen that doubles as game day headquarters takes your backyard entertaining to the next level in a flash. Here’s how to set up your space for the perfect day of touchdowns, tailgating, and tasty treats.

Why an Outdoor Kitchen is Your MVP

Gone are the days of running back and forth between your kitchen inside and the action outside. An outdoor kitchen makes it easy to prep, cook, and serve everything in one convenient space—without missing a single play. It’s the ultimate upgrade for anyone who loves entertaining and ensures your backyard becomes the go-to spot for game day gatherings, birthday parties, casual BBQs, and beyond.

With a custom setup featuring a grilling station, built-in beverage fridge, countertop seating, and even a fire pit for halftime chats, your backyard will be the envy of your neighborhood. Plus, with a durable paver patioand walkways, you can have a solid foundation that looks incredible and stands up to any party—rain or shine.

Prepping Your Outdoor Kitchen and Yard for the Big Game

Just like the players on the field, your outdoor kitchen needs to be game-day ready. Here are a few tips to ensure your backyard is ready to host an epic celebration:

1. Get the Right Viewing Setup

• The Big Screen

  Mount a weatherproof TV in a shaded area or add a portable projector to display the game on a blank wall or screen that's visible from all seating areas.

• Sound System

  Invest in outdoor-rated speakers for crystal-clear commentary and to crank up the tunes during halftime.

2. Create Comfortable Seating Zones

• Set up your outdoor furniture in a way that mimics a stadium vibe, with plenty of cushioned chairs, benches, and loungers for super fans who won’t miss a minute of the action.

• Add blankets and outdoor pillows, and maybe even patio heaters to keep everyone cozy—Februarys can get chilly!

3. Stock Your Outdoor Kitchen

• Grilling Essentials

  Make sure your gas or charcoal grill is clean, fueled, and ready to fire up. For larger crowds, consider adding a smoker or pizza oven to the mix.

  SAVINGS BONUS! We’re celebrating February fun with 10% Off All Pizza Ovens & Pizza Accessories in our

  SP Outdoor Store. This offer runs February 1-28, 2025 so shop & save today!

• Beverage Station

  Keep drinks flowing with an outdoor fridge or built-in cooler. Stock it with sodas, beer, wine, kombucha, and non-alcoholic options for every guest.

• Snacking Station

  Utilize your countertop space for a self-serve snack bar. Pro tip: Use a chalkboard to label all the goodies, including noting ingredients if your guests have food allergies.

4. Add Outdoor Lighting

• Keep the party going well into the night with strategically placed outdoor lighting. String lights, LED path lights, and accent lights around your kitchen and seating areas create a festive and functional atmosphere.

Game Day Party Essentials Checklist

Use this quick checklist to make sure you’ve covered all your bases:

• Weatherproof TV or projector

• Outdoor speakers

• Grill tools and fuel

• Plates, napkins, and cups (bonus points for team colors!)

• Blankets and cushions

• Outdoor lighting

• Trash and recycling bins

• Ample snacks and beverages

• Outdoor games like cornhole or ladder toss for pre-game fun

Winning Recipes for Your Outdoor Kitchen

Here are two simple and crowd-pleasing recipes to whip up on your grill!

Grilled BBQ Chicken Sliders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• ½ cup of your fav BBQ sauce

• Slider buns

• Coleslaw (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat your grill to a nice, medium hot temp.

2. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Grill for 6-7 minutes per side, basting with BBQ sauce in the final minutes.

3. Slice the chicken and serve on slider buns with a dollop of coleslaw.

Game Day Nachos

Ingredients:

• Tortilla chips

• Shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese

• Grilled chicken or beef (optional)

• Diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and onions

• Guacamole and sour cream for topping

Instructions:

1. Layer tortilla chips, cheese, and toppings on a grill-safe tray or cast iron skillet.

2. Place on the grill and cook with the lid closed for 5-7 minutes, until the cheese melts.

3. Serve hot with guacamole, sour cream, and chopped olives on the side

Why System Pavers?

At System Pavers, we’ve been designing and building outdoor spaces for over 30 years. From paver patios to custom outdoor kitchens, we specialize in creating spaces that bring people together. If you’re ready to make your backyard the ultimate game day destination, we’re here to help. Check out our Outdoor Inspiration Gallery to get an idea of what we can do.

Connect with us today to schedule your free consultation. It’s time to turn your outdoor space into the championship-worthy retreat you and your loved ones deserve. Game on!