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Start the Season with a Game-Winning Tailgate

First and Ten

For your first play, huddle the team together and devise a game plan. Draft a shopping and guest list and ask all the players to chip in with supplies and food. Ensure you have enough surface area with two 4' Adjustable Utility Tables (Item #20165, $82). Use one for main entrees, condiments, snacks and sides and the other for beverages and paper goods.

Home-made decorations can add to the outdoor decor and help keep you organized. Consider making a tailgating bin filled with your favorite drinks and game day activities. Use spray paint in your team colors to garnish a galvanized bin. For decorating details visit http://www.LowesCreativeIdeas.com .

Second and Seven

Plan to provide adequate seating for all your sports enthusiasts. Some guests will want to relax before jumping up after that great catch or tackle. Use a few Deluxe Padded Folding Chairs (Item #237873, $17.98) because they are sturdy, even on uneven ground, and fold flat for easy storage. Also be prepared with Steel Sling Folding Chairs (Item #65376, $58) which include a shade for sunny days.

Third and Goal

The early fall months can still be hot. Keep your favorite fans cool and your food covered with a 12' x 12' Quik Shade Instant Canopy (Item #226727, $128). Stay hydrated with the Rubbermaid(R) 5-Gallon Water Cooler (Item #212747, $22.87) filled with Gatorade(R), sweet tea or water.

Touchdown

Now it's time to fire up the grill. The Meco 21.5 Inch Walk-A-Bout Portable Charcoal Grill (Item #148548, $49.97) is perfect for your outdoor events. It has a 30-pound cooking capacity, is easy to store and has rolling wheels for portability to away games or a buddy's backyard. Because forgetting a bag of Cowboy Natural Hardwood Charcoal (Item #44516, $6.47) and the BBQ grillware 5 Piece Stainless Set (Item #40049, $24.97) would be like a referee without a whistle, make sure you're prepared to feed your hungry squad.

For the ultimate football fans party favor or hostess gift visit http://www.Lowes.com and choose from among 54 college gift cards. Also, visit http://www.Lowes.com or your local Lowe's store for more tailgating essentials.

About Lowe's

With fiscal year 2007 sales of $48.3 billion, Lowe's Companies, Inc. is a FORTUNE(R) 50 company that serves approximately 14 million customers a week at more than 1,575 home improvement stores inthe United States andCanada. Founded in 1946 and based inMooresville, N.C., Lowe's is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world. For more information, visit http://www.Lowes.com .

SOURCE Lowe's Companies, Inc.