Central Michigan University students might find tailgating at football games a little different this fall.

A task force made up of area law enforcement officials, the Student Government Association, students and senior leadership from university athletics and administration formed in January proposed changes to the university’s tailgating procedures, which were approved in June by former University President Michael Rao.

“(Rao approved) a modest budget to support activities we are going to do and changes in parking and where partying is, how it can be fun and yet still be safe,” said David Burdette, vice president of Finance and Administrative Services and task force member.

The task force’s ultimate goal was to maintain the atmosphere of game day, but address issues particularly as they relate to tailgating, said Director of Public Relations Steve Smith.

Athletic Director Dave Heeke said the tailgate environment has become somewhat problematic and the new procedures will enhance the environment and increase safety, although he does not anticipate significant policy changes.

“There have been some very irresponsible people and we needed to look at ways to do it differently,” he said.

He said tailgating will have a definite beginning and end point.

“We have had difficulty in moving from tailgating activities to the stadium. We feel that’s important— – the game is center to the activities,” he said. “We are discouraging people to come for only tailgating.”

Parking Procedures

The task force is making gradual shifts in lot 63 to free up area for students to have fun, Burdette said, and there may be some construction this summer to expand area to allow better access for vehicles and people.

“The area is such a cluster of cars and people, an emergency vehicle would have difficulty moving through the lot,” Smith said. “The whole idea is to break up the concentration of vehicles.”

The procedures and structure will disperse vehicles by changing the traffic flow in and out of the lot, controlled access points, maintaining an emergency lane, requiring parking passes to be purchased prior to the game, eliminating early lineup, doubling the size of the lot and decreasing the number of vehicles allowed in the lot.

Burdette said the task force is also looking at different areas to include in the tailgate area, including “grassy fields along West (Campus) Drive.”

People may also have to walk a bit further, he said.

Alternative Activities

In addition to parking changes, Burdette said there will be more port-a-potties and waste disposal for garbage and cans, better signage, increased law enforcement presence, a countdown clock to kickoff on the back of the scoreboard and noise indicators, such as a siren, to announce to the start of the game.

“That’s the emphasis: to have fun before the game and then go inside and enjoy the game,” Smith said.

The second part of the new procedures are the addition of alternative activities to the tailgating area, such as food stations and possibly entertainment.

Burdette said the task force already has activities planned for the first game of the season, scheduled for September 19 against Alcorn State.

“It’s part of the evolution. I see this as a two-, three-, four-year plan,” he said.

There are still some tailgating issues under consideration.

“We have discussed banning kegs and limiting number of beers,” Smith said.

The task force is still reviewing such limitations because it would be difficult to enforce.

SGA President and Mount Pleasant junior Jason Nichol said the SGA E-Board is still being briefed on the new procedures, but will be trying to impress them upon RSOs and explain them in a fashion so everyone can still have fun.

“The tailgating culture of CMU is a strong point, and I feel it contributes to athletics too,” he said.

While SGA will be involved in encouraging students to enjoy the new procedures, Nichol said SGA does not have the budget to contribute to activities during tailgate.

The tailgating procedures will be up for discussion at SGA’s open forums, the first of which is planned for early September.

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E-mail the author: Lindsay Knake