A new season of Lions football means the time for tailgating is right around the corner. Those participating in the pregame festivities, however, should be aware of a few changes from last year’s tailgating policies.
According to Erin Cowser, executive director of Public and Governmental Affairs, the changes were made following a review of last year’s standards. The review happens yearly and changes were made in order to address problems encountered during the previous football season while preventing any new ones from occurring.
Cowser explained that while there are changes to the policy, the 2011 tailgate policy remains in effect for the new season.
“This year incorporates amplifications, but the original policy features remain in effect too,” said Cowser.
One of the more significant changes from last year’s policy was made to the price of reserving a tailgating spot.
“Unfortunately, due to extreme budget cuts Lion Athletics must exercise reasonable increases in available revenue stream,” said Cowser. “The cost to reserve a tailgating spot last year was $25. This year it will be $35 for Lion Athletic Association members and $50 for non-members. Student organizations will still receive free spots as long as they validated in advance by the Office of Student Engagement as current, university-recognized organizations.”
Changes made to the tailgating policy are listed below:
-Policy will apply for regular season only. Changes may be made in playoff situation.
-Parking passes will be marked to indicate once divers enter Friendship Circle on game days.
-Friendship Circle will close three hours prior to kickoff. The Spirit of the Southland Band will continue drum line performances outside of Pottle during tailgating and the football team will continue its Lion Walk tradition through Friendship Circle two and a half hours prior to kick off.
-Cost to reserve a Friendship Circle tailgating location for entire season and one parking pass: $35 for LAA members or Athletics sponsors, $50 for all others (can reserve at $10 per game).
-Due to safety concerns, RV owners must move off the main street into the Dyson/Garrett lot one hour after the game ends.
-Electricity for RVs will no longer be available through the university. RV owners must use their own generator electricity.
-In order to reserve free tailgating locations within the center of Friendship Circle, student organizations must have their campus standing verified by the Office of Student Engagement.
-Alumni groups of current student organizations will be required to reserve separate locations outside the middle of the circle, which is reserved exclusively for student organizations.
-During Homecoming, parking will only be allowed on one side of Friendship Circle in order to allow for the Homecoming Parade.