Homecoming tailgate policy in place

In light of what President Robert Caret and other administrators said they viewed as an unacceptable tailgating celebration last fall, the student affairs division has developed a new policy to manage the crowd, alcohol consumption and underage drinking concerns.

The new policy only applies to the Homecoming tailgate.

Only 150 vehicles will be allowed on Lot 14, which will be surrounded by snow fencing, during the tailgate. Those vehicles will be admitted on a first-come, first-serve basis and reservation of spaces is available to organizations, student groups and individuals. The spaces will cost $5 each with larger groups and organizations allowed to pre-register up to six spots for $30.

Last year, according to associate vice president for campus life Teri Hall, 320 vehicles were on Lot 14. By limiting the number of vehicles on the lot, administrators believe space for people to move will open.

There will also be two entrances to the lot and eight to 10 employees checking student IDs and handing out wristbands to students 21 years old or older. Tailgaters do not have to pre-register to walk up and participate.

"We are hoping that by putting these measures in place, Homecoming tailgating will be a safer and healthier event than in the past, and this is the extent of changes we'll ever have to make," vice president of student affairs Deb Moriarty said.

Students will be allowed to bring alcohol onto the lot; however, Moriarty said they would encourage students to limit it to a six-pack per person.

"If a truck shows up with an entire bed full of beer, they won't be allowed on the lot," she said.

Liquor, drinking games and other drinking paraphernalia, such as beer bongs, will not be allowed onto the lot. Free food and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided by student affairs.

Last year students, police and S.A.F.E. workers were at odds as game time approached. As the University employees and contractors attempted to move students out of the lot and into the stadium for the start of the game, beer cans and bottles were thrown while other verbal and physical altercations took place.

In order to avoid similar results, employees of the student affairs division who will be monitoring the tailgate will have megaphones and other voice amplification devices to remind students how much time they have remaining until the game begins and they must exit the lot. The snow fencing between Lot 14 and the stadium will be taken down so that students will not have to funnel back out through the two entrances.

"We need to be more effective at letting students know how much time they have, letting them know that say, in 30 minutes we're going to have to clear the lot," Moriarty said. "Last year, the majority of students, I'd say three-quarters or more, left the lot and entered the stadium when we said tailgating was over. It was a small corner of the lot where there were a lot of people where we had the problems."

Tailgaters that reserve a space or hope to get a space the day of, can begin setting up at 11 a.m. All cars trying to get on the lot after noon will be turned away. A shuttle bus will run from Cross Campus Drive to the stop next to Lot 14, providing for students that do not get a space.

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