Walmart announced its game plan to completely transform more than 1,700 of its Garden Centers into “Game Time Headquarters,” customized for supporters of local college or professional football teams. Beginning this week and running through September 30, Walmart will feature everything from team merchandise and decor to favorite game-time snacks and beverages at budget prices.


According to tailgating.com, 42% of tailgaters spend more than $500 each season on food and supplies. Walmart can help tailgate enthusiasts prepare for six home games this season with enough food and gear for a “special team” of four for about $66 per game — savings of more than $100 for the season. Suggested items* for the tailgate set-up include:


    * 4 NFL® or NCAA® Hats (prices start at $5.00)
    * 4 NFL® or NCAA® T-shirts (prices start at $6.00)
    * 4 NFL® or NCAA® Armchairs ($19.88 each)
    * 1 Uniflame® 18.5″ Charcoal Grill ($17.00 each)
    * 6 bags of Kingsford® Charcoal ($6.97 each)
    * 1 NFL® or NCAA® 24-Can Softside Cooler ($13.88 each)
    * 6 packs of Ball Park® Beef Franks (2 for $5.00)
    * 6 packs of Tyson® Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast ($6.00 each)
    * 6 packs of Sara Lee® Hot Dog Buns ($1.97 each)
    * 3 bottles of Hunt’s Ketchup ($1.50 each)
    * 6 Lay’s® or Doritos® XXL Chips (2 for $5.00)
    * 6 T.G.I. Friday’s® Cheddar & Bacon Loaded Potato Skins ($4.88 each)
    * 6 fresh Vegetable Trays ($9.88 each)
    * 15 2-Liter Bottles of Pepsi® Drinks (5 for $5.00)


“With 36 million tailgaters in the U.S., the kick-off to football season is now one of our favorite all-American pastimes,” said Janet Bareis, vice president of Walmart Corporate Marketing. “But we know our job on the team is to make sure tailgaters dont spend a dime more than they need to — that’s why weve put together some winning prices all in one place in the store.”


The retailers said that for fans who want to watch the game at home or celebrate while the team’s away, on August 29, Walmart will launch the Game Time tailgate planner at http://www.walmart.com/gametime. This widget, created just for football enthusiasts, allows fans to download their favorite team’s schedule, and create and send e-mail invitations to friends for game day events and tailgating parties. The website also includes tools to help fans manage their guest list, plan their menu, download a shopping checklist, and calculate costs for everything the perfect tailgate requires. The site also offers several recipes and tips for better organization.