Fireworks & Football: Best Products to Light Up Game Day

T. Pelfrey
Sep 17
3 min read

Fall means football and whether you're cheering from a stadium parking lot or hosting the ultimate backyard watch party, fireworks are a bold way to show your team spirit. While hotdogs, face paint, and foam fingers get the crowd going, there’s nothing quite like the boom of a well-timed firework to take your celebration to the next level.

At Jerry Pelfrey Fireworks, we believe game day deserves more than just a touchdown dance.

Here's how to safely and creatively incorporate fireworks into your football festivities this season.

Why Fireworks and Football Are a Winning Combo

Football is all about energy, passion, and celebration, and so are fireworks. They’re perfect for hyping up the crowd, punctuating a big win, or bringing some serious flair to a tailgate party. Whether you’re supporting your local high school team, repping your college alma mater, or throwing a party for the pros, fireworks are a powerful (and fun!) way to elevate the experience.

Plus, as night falls earlier in the fall, fireworks stand out even more, making those Friday night lights or Saturday evening games feel like championship material.

Tailgate Fireworks: What Works (and What Doesn’t)

Tailgating is all about timing and setting and while not every tailgate is firework-friendly, many outdoor parties (especially on private property or rural land) are perfect for small displays.

Here are some firework types ideal for tailgates:

Sparklers: Easy to pass around and always a hit with kids and adults alike.
Smoke Balls in Team Colors: Great for daytime celebrations and perfect for photo ops.
Fountains: Low noise but high impact, ideal for tighter spaces and short shows.
Roman Candles: A step up in excitement that won’t take over the whole event.
Confetti Cannons or Streamers: Not a traditional firework, but a fun, mess-free crowd-pleaser.

Pro Tip: Always check local regulations for firework use in parking lots or public spaces. When in doubt, move the party to a backyard or private area where you're free to celebrate safely and responsibly.

Football Team Themes: Customize Your Fireworks Display

Show your team spirit by matching your fireworks display to your school or team colors. Many of our products at Jerry Pelfrey Fireworks come in specific color combinations, so you can rep your favorite team in the sky!

Here’s how to tailor your display:

Red & Gold for Chiefs fans
Orange & Brown for the Browns
Blue & White for Kentucky Wildcats
Black & Yellow for Steelers tailgates
Custom combos for high school games and hometown heroes

For even more impact, set your firework finale to a school fight song or the team’s entrance music, creating a full sensory experience that hypes the whole crowd.

Backyard Watch Parties: Bring the Stadium to You

Not making it to the game? No problem. Turn your backyard into the ultimate watch-party zone with a firework finale. Backyard parties give you more control over your environment, allowing for a larger display and more creative setup.

Try this simple three-part show structure:

Pregame Sparklers or Smoke Effects to kick things off.
Halftime Fountains for a mid-game wow factor.
Post-Game Aerial Cakes or Finale Packs to celebrate the win (or show support regardless of the score).

Worried about noise or neighbors? Ask our team for quieter fireworks that still offer amazing visual effects.

Game Day Safety Reminders

Fireworks and football are a great pairing, but safety should always be the top priority. Here are a few quick reminders:

Designate a sober operator for lighting fireworks.
Keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby—especially if tailgating on dry grass.
Maintain safe distance from vehicles, crowds, or viewing areas.
Store fireworks in a cool, dry container away from food or grills.
Clean up responsibly to avoid leaving behind flammable debris.

Need help deciding which products are tailgate-safe? Our team is happy to help with suggestions based on your event setup.

Stock Up Before Kickoff

Game day flies by, and so does fireworks inventory during fall weekends! Whether you're planning a school spirit night, tailgate bash, or backyard watch party, shop early to get the best selection.

At Jerry Pelfrey Fireworks, we have everything from small sparklers to bold aerials, all backed by Kentucky’s largest independent fireworks team. We’ll help you find the right products for your space, your team, and your budget.