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: July 8, 2024
- Contact for more information: CMU Police
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to address the health and safety of students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors during tailgating activities. This policy is in effect to establish tailgating rules and to promote and encourage responsible behavior which enhances the game day experience.
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 Central Michigan University Police Department. Exceptions to this policy may be granted at the discretion of the CMU Police. Questions regarding this policy should be directed to the CMU Police Department at 989-774-3081.
1. Alcohol is permitted at an athletic event in the designated tailgating location as determined by the CMU Police and Athletics Department.
2. Michigan laws pertaining to the possession, consumption and distribution of alcohol and controlled substances will be in effect.
3. Football event tailgating is permitted no earlier than four hours prior to the start of the game. All other tailgate related events require CMUPD and Athletics approval, to include the location and hours of the event.
4. The CMU Police Department may direct tailgating activities to cease upon the start of the athletic event. All tailgating activities conclude at the end of the associated event.
5. Tailgating areas may not include containers designated 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. 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.
9. 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.
10. The CMU Police Department determines the tailgating area. All tailgating is restricted to designated areas south of Broomfield Road. Alcohol is not permitted outside the designated areas.
11. People participating in tailgate activities are expected to clean up their trash. Dumpsters and trash receptacles are provided throughout the tailgating area.
12. All stand-alone tents must be placed directly behind vehicles and cannot impede the flow of pedestrian or motor vehicle traffic.
13. Behavior that may increase the likelihood of injury or cause concern for the safety of others or that may be disruptive is prohibited.
14. No animals, with the exception of service animals, are permitted. Service animals are to be leashed and under the control of the person assigned to the animal.
15. No alcohol consumption is permitted while waiting in line for entry into designated parking.
16. The use of external sound systems is permitted, but is subject to the control of CMU Police.
Violations of the tailgating policy may result in the termination of tailgating privileges and/or disciplinary action through the CMU Student Affairs Division, Conduct Office if the violation involves a CMU student. Individuals in violation of this policy will be notified to discontinue the undesired behavior and may be required to leave the tailgating venue. Failure to leave the venue upon direction of the law enforcement may result in an arrest for trespassing.
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 pervious policies, procedures or guidelines relative to this subject.