Ferris State University decided to implement a special fundraiser for its Oct. 3 football game against Michigan Technological University. Fifth Third Ballpark in Comstock Park, where the game will be played, will sell alcoholic beverages during a tailgate before the “Battle at the Ballpark.”

Free shuttle bus rides also will be provided to and from Big Rapids on the day of the game.

“We needed to generate money for our football program,” said Jon Coles, FSU associate athletics director. “We’re splitting everything 50/50 with the ballpark.”

The new procedures at Central Michigan University include a six-beer limit, a ban on external sound systems and five to six pedestrian entrances. An estimated total of 300 people were at last Saturday’s student tailgate at Lot 63.

Coles said Ferris State’s game day atmosphere is not quite the same as in Mount Pleasant, and the fundraiser will help build it.

“We can’t deny the fact that college students like to drink beer,” he said. “We’re not encouraging it… we do want students to congregate and enjoy each other’s company.”

Around the MAC

While policies such as alcohol amount limits and external sound systems are not specifically stated in some other Mid-American Conference tailgating policies, there are similarities.

Western Michigan and Ball State University, for instance, both have policies against tailgating after the opening kickoff.

At the same time, the University of Minnesota declared it will require certain students to submit to breathalyzer tests prior to entering the stadium.

Students previously disciplined for drunken behavior at games will be subject to the tests.

The policy, modeled off a similar Wisconsin program, is different now the university’s football team has moved to a new stadium on campus, where alcohol is prohibited.

However, it has met with only minimal complaints from fans.

There will be no limit on the amount of alcohol that can be purchased for FSU’s tailgate, Coles said.

Students also will be asked for identification.

Coles said the university expects to sell a lot of beer and is expecting each person to contribute an average of $6 to the fundraiser.

FSU hopes to have a similar event in the future if it is a success. Coles also praised CMU tailgaters and said he was aware of the change in tailgating policies outside of Kelly/Shorts Stadium.

“Central students are welcome to come and show our students how to tailgate,” he said.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.