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How To Celebrate Your Birthday with a Tailgate Party in San Diego


A San Diego Chargers tailgating party is a celebration in its own right, but sometimes game day falls on other special occasions, like your birthday. This double whammy jubilee can transform your parking lot party into a victorious gathering, even when your favorite Charger has slippery hands.

Say it with love. A super public "Happy Birthday" on the Qualcomm Stadium scoreboard may seem a bit cheesy, but your b-day gal or guy will soak up the tribute and relish in the undivided attention. The cost is $300, but don't write it off quite yet, it is a tax deductable donation to the San Diego Chargers Community Foundation. Simply contact the Chargers Community Relations Department three to four weeks prior to the special day.

Drink to that! Dominic Giammarinaro of www.sdchargertailgating.com has seen many tailgating celebrations during his time as a die-hard fan, including his own birthday bash at the Q. Birthday parties and tailgating parties are cut from the same cloth when it comes to libations. Giammarinaro notes that the traditional beverage of choice at any tailgating party is, of course, San Diego's finest TailGate Beer. To add a more festive flair in honor of the birthday boy or girl, Giammarinaro suggests toasting with team-colored Jello shots.

Pin the tail on…. What is a birthday party without games? Turn your tailgating function into interactive birthday merriment. "Keep games such as beer pong and cornhole on hand," says Giammarinaro. "In fact, make a competition out of it and give a prize to the winners." Other notables to continue the high spirits of your party include Frisbeer (tee ball using beer cups and a Frisbee), NFL Alma Mater Name Trivia and, don't forget the old stand-by, Quarters.

Party favors. Whether it is a 7th or 70th birthday, all guests look forward to receiving a party favor as the celebration winds down. While not recommended for the 7-year-old, "of age" guests will appreciate a Chargers football shot glass. Sold in sets of four (around $36/set), these shot glasses feature the Chargers logo and will be a great addition to your tailgating paraphernalia. More appropriate for the younger birthday crowd, MY M&M'S® for the National Football League (starting at $10.99) allows you to customize your sweet treats with Chargers colors and logos as well as packaging (gift box, mini jar, mini tin, etc.).

Rent the Q. For an exclusive tailgating birthday celebration, you can rent Qualcomm Stadium (or sections of it) to entertain up to 70,000 of your closest friends and loved ones. Surprise parties are a huge hit in any one of the stadium lounges, clubs or restaurants. The Qualcomm Stadium world is your oyster as the Q staff will take your birthday festivity vision and transform it into a reality beyond your expectations.

Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going at tailgatefan.cbslocal.com.

Jennifer Geisman is a freelance writer living in Los Angeles. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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