The region’s largest indoor pre-game party on the water features hundreds of boats, exclusive pre-season deals and fan-friendly experiences

With the Super Bowl right around the corner, fans across North Texas are planning watch parties, tailgates, and game-day gatherings. But this season, the Dallas Winter Boat Show is encouraging Texans to think bigger—and head to the water. Boatgating, the lake-loving cousin of tailgating, is one of the fastest-growing recreation trends, giving fans a way to enjoy the Big Game with sunshine, scenery, and serious style.

Whether you're hosting a viewing party on the dock, pre-gaming aboard your pontoon, tying up a line of center consoles and bowriders, or planning a lakeside watch-and-float afternoon, here are the top Boatgating 101 tips from the Dallas Winter Boat Show, returning to Dallas Market Hall this weekend February 5–8, 2026.

1. Pick the Perfect Boatgating Setup: Comfort, Space & Style

While pontoons and tritoons remain the go-to favorites for hosting larger groups thanks to their wide decks and lounge-style seating, they’re far from the only boatgate-ready options popular on North Texas lakes.

Bowriders and runabouts, staples on lakes like Lewisville, Ray Hubbard, and Grapevine, make excellent game-day cruisers with versatile seating and built-in coolers.

Deck boats offer pontoon-like spaciousness with sportier handling—perfect for fans who want room to spread out without sacrificing speed.

Center console and bay boats, commonly seen on Lake Texoma, provide wide open deck layouts ideal for standing room, mingling, and easy access to coolers and snacks.

Fishing boats aren’t just for anglers—many come equipped with powerful audio systems and elevated casting decks that double as great standing/viewing spots during a floating watch party.

Even personal watercraft (PWCs) like jet skis can get in on the fun when rafted up next to a primary host boat, giving thrill-seekers their own floating “seats” for pre-game hangs.

And of course, for the watersport-loving crowd, wake surf boats bring big energy (and the best audio systems) for an amped-up pre-game playlist.

Pro Tip:
At the Dallas Winter Boat Show, shoppers can compare dozens of pontoons, bowriders, center consoles, wake boats, and fishing boats side-by-side to find the right mix of seating, storage, tech, and entertainment features.

2. Create a Game-Winning Food & Drink Strategy

Boatgating food needs to be delicious but easy to handle. Skip complicated spreads and aim for handheld, no-mess favorites:

• Individual nacho cups
• Sliders or street tacos
• Pre-skewered fruits, veggies, or meats
• Single-serve dips
• Mason-jar salads
• Canned cocktails & mocktails

Keep it simple, organized, and cold using a color-coded “game-day cooler.”

3. Turn Up the Entertainment with a “Float-In Theater”

If you're hosting on the dock or at a marina slip, create a floating watch party with a portable projector and weatherproof screen. Some fans raft multiple boats—pontoons, bowriders, or even center consoles—so everyone gets a great view.

Many newer pontoons, cruisers, and wake boats now come with integrated screens or smart TV hookups, something visitors can explore hands-on at the Boat Show.

Pro Tip:
Use waterproof Bluetooth speakers or the boat’s built-in audio system to broadcast commentary or pump up the energy with pre-game playlists.

4. Show Your Team Spirit—Lake Style

Festive décor makes a boatgating setup come alive. Fans love:

• Team-colored pillows & blankets
• LED rope lights
• Custom boat flags
• Inflatable goalposts
  Floating drink holders
  Branded coolers

You’ll find plenty of lake-friendly accessories in the gear aisles at the Dallas Winter Boat Show.

5. Safety First: Keep It Fun, Keep It Smart

Just like tailgating on land, boatgating comes with responsibilities. The Dallas Winter Boat Show recommends:

• Designating a sober captain
• Checking weather conditions
• Using non-glass containers
• Securing electronics and cords
• Ensuring enough life jackets for all ages
• Anchoring properly when rafting with friends

6. Make It Instagram-Ready

A memorable boatgate doubles as great social content:

• Score-prediction reels
• Pets in team colors for the Puppy Bowl
• Before-and-after boat décor transformations
• A “floating stadium wave” video

7. Plan Your Upgrade for Next Season

The Big Game unofficially marks the start of summer boating prep. If your current boat could use more seating, better sound, updated tech, or improved storage, the Dallas Winter Boat Show is the best place to browse 2026 models with exclusive incentives.

Whether you're considering a pontoon, center console, deck boat, bowrider, surf boat, fishing boat, cruiser, or PWC, the show makes it easy to score a great pre-season price.

Boatgating Starts Here: Join the Dallas Winter Boat Show

From floating tailgates to lakeside watch parties, boatgating is becoming one of Texas’ favorite ways to celebrate game day. With its massive selection of boats, gear, demos, and family activities, the Dallas Winter Boat Show has everything fans need to level up their Super Bowl experience—and their 2026 lake season.