Tough tailgating policies return for 2009

By Grant Merritt
Assistant News Editor
Oct. 1, 2009

Before each home football game, tailgaters gather to celebrate UNCP and cheer on its football team.

But before any tailgating festivities, every person is asked to follow the tailgating policy. The tailgating policy remained the same from last year with one minor tweak – clarity on the vehicle towing clause.

New policy
This year, the campus police announced which parking lots were closed and what time to have vehicles removed. Flyers and emails were sent out to the student body to warn them of the policy for removing vehicles from Lots 24 and 14 to avoid towing. Towing starts at 7 a.m. on game day.

Same policies
The same policies for drinking alcoholic beverages and grilling return this year. Each student who consumes alcohol must wear an age identification bracelet which is issued in Lot 14. Propane and charcoal grills are permitted in designate

Lot 24 is located directly behind the Grace P. Johnson Stadium. Lot 14 is located directly behind the Jones Athletic Complex.

Campus police will be stationed in or nearby designated tailgating areas to enforce state laws for violations that may occur.

Tailgating starts three and a half hours before kick-off of each home football game. No tailgating activities can occur during or after the game.

Activities
During the tailgating festivities, there are many activities to choose from. From eating, drinking, dancing, talking and having a good time, tailgating is a fun and safe atmosphere for all ages.

Last year, former Chancellor Allen C. Meadors purchased five tents from the UNCP Bookstore for student organizations to use at the tailgating events.

Departments
The three campus departments in charge of tailgating festivities are the Office of Student Life, Counseling and Testing Center and Center for Leadership and Service.

The Office of Student Life gives free temporary tattoos and pom-poms to everyone and partners with Sodexho to provide free hotdogs for everyone. The Counseling and Testing Center provides free bottles of water for everyone.

“Tailgating's purpose is to create a festive atmosphere before each home game,” said Director of Student Life Mike Severy. “There are inflatable slides, a local DJ and food for everyone.”

He said that everything at tailgating events is completely free.

Severy said that there are 200 to 300 people at each tailgating event, but he expects more for the homecoming game. He said that the Office of Student Life plans to give away all 750 pom-poms to UNCP fans.

To add to the fun and festive atmosphere, The Spirit of the Carolinas UNCP Marching Band marches down faculty row of parking lot 14 and stops to perform songs for tailgaters.