MOUNT PLEASANT, MI (WNEM) -
Central Michigan University's student government association has worked out a deal with the university that has resulted in a new tailgating policy.
In 2009, CMU announced changes to the tailgating policy to improve safety.
Rules were in place that limited individuals to six alcoholic beverages per person and kept students in one lot behind Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Attendance dropped significantly soon after.
The SGA said that as a result, the following changes will be implemented for the 2012-13 season:
- Anyone - student or non-student - may tailgate in any General Parking lot. No single lot is designated as a student tailgating lot.
- Tailgating has been expanded from three to four hours prior to kickoff.
- The same policies are applicable to all individuals participating in tailgating.
The SGA said CMU students can pre-purchase a General Parking Pass for $5 at Ticket Central (located in the CMU Events Center atrium), or on game day at the lot for $10.
A committee of student representatives and school leaders will meet on an ongoing basis during the Fall to evaluate tailgating and to recommend strategies to improve safety and management.
CMU's specific policy regarding tailgating is laid out below, courtesy of their website.
1. Alcoholic beverages are permitted ONLY at football game tailgates. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited at all other tailgates, including those held at other CMU sporting events, without prior written athletic department approval.
2. Michigan laws pertaining to the possession, consumption and distribution of alcohol and controlled substances will be in effect.
3. Tailgating is permitted no earlier than four hours prior to the start of the game.
4. Tailgating is not permitted once the game starts.
5. Tailgating areas may not include containers designed for mass distribution of alcoholic beverages, such as kegs or similar containers. The CMU Police reserve the right to determine when excessive amounts of alcohol are present.
6. Drinking games or activities that encourage excessive alcohol consumption are prohibited.
7. Glass containers are not permitted in tailgating areas.
8. Large trucks (e.g., U-Haul-type, over 2-1/2 tons, etc.) and buses are not permitted in the tailgating area without prior written Athletic Department approval.
9. All service vehicles are required to have the appropriate parking/service pass. Large or extended recreational vehicles ("RVs") may be required to purchase multiple passes. Vehicles with trailers must have prior written approval from the Athletic Department.
10. Large grills pulled on their own wheels by vehicles are not permitted in the tailgating area without prior written athletic department approval. Open fires are not permitted.
11. The CMU Police Department determines the tailgating area. All tailgating is restricted to designated areas south of Broomfield Road. Alcohol is not permitted outside these designated areas.
12. People participating in tailgate activities are expected to clean up their trash. Dumpsters and trash receptacles are provided throughout the tailgating area.
13. All stand-alone tents must be placed directly behind vehicles and cannot impede the flow of pedestrian or motor vehicle traffic.
14. Behavior that may increase the likelihood of injury or cause concern for the safety of others that may be disruptive is prohibited.
15. No animals, with the exception of service animals, are permitted.
16. No alcohol consumption is permitted while waiting in line for entry into designated parking areas.
17. The use of external sound systems is permitted, but is subject to the control of CMU Police.
Any violation of the tailgating policy may result in immediate termination of tailgating privileges and/or disciplinary action through the CMU Office of Student Life if the violator is a CMU student.
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