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13-1 Tailgating

About CMU's "Tailgating policy"

This policy defines areas where tailgating is allowed and what kinds of activities are permitted where on days of home football games. It also outlines sanctions for violations of tailgating policies.

NOTE ABOUT PDF VERSION: The PDF is the official text of the policy. If there are any incongruities between the text of the HTML version and the text within the PDF file, the PDF will be considered accurate and overriding.

  • Effective date of this revision: August 14, 2012
  • Contact for more information: CMU Police

BACKGROUND

To best protect the safety and health of CMU students, faculty, staff, alumni and guests, this policy is hereby enacted in order to enhance the game-day experience, encourage responsible behavior, curb excessive drinking, stop nuisance behavior and enhance crowd control.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Policy is to promote school spirit and conviviality, while at the same time ensuring the continued safety of CMU students, faculty, staff, alumni, invitees and guests by encouraging responsible socializing and providing a safe environment at CMU sporting events.

DEFINITIONS

Tailgating is defined as the participation in a social event in a designated area. This policy refers specifically to tailgating at CMU sporting events.

POLICY

This Policy will be enforced by the CMU Police Department (“CMU Police”). Exceptions to this policy may be made by the CMU Police at their sole discretion. Any questions regarding this policy should be presented to the CMU Police Special Events Coordinator (989) 774-7394).

  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 reserves 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 Athletics 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 or 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. Other individuals observed by CMU Police acting in violation of this Policy will be notified that they are in violation and may be asked to leave the premises. Failure to leave upon such a request may result in the individual’s arrest by CMU Police for trespass. 

Any violation of city ordinances or state laws may result in criminal prosecution. 

Central Michigan University reserves the right to make exceptions to, modify or eliminate this policy and or its content. This document supersedes all previous policies, procedures or guidelines relative to this subject.