Towson University Revises Tailgating Policies

Towson University has revised its procedures on tailgating in advance of this weekend’s matchup against Stony Brook.

Administrators and student leaders have been in discussions since late September about curbing excessive drinking after tailgaters got out of hand, resulting in one arrest involving an assault on an officer, according to WBAL.

As the policies were undergoing revision, Towson Athletics released a statement assuring alumni and other supporters that policies are only applicable to students on the student lot and do not impact others in attendance.

This week, Towson University released a slide show explaining its expectations for student tailgating going forward (editor’s note: we’ve condensed the info):

• No drinking games.
• Limit of one six-pack of beer or 24-oz bottle of wine per person.
• Each person must carry his/her own alcohol. Bags may be provided for dividing up cases.
• No hard liquor and no communal alcohol (e.g., kegs, boxes of wine, party balls).
• Open containers can’t be brought into the game or onto the lot.
• Officials will clear the lot when the game starts.
• No tents larger than 10-by-10 feet, and no platforms or stages without permission.
• All state and local laws are in effect (those under 21 can’t possess/consume alcohol, and others are not to serve alcohol to underage individuals).

The university also differentiates between a “party” and a “tailgate.” A party involves communal alcohol sources such as trashcans of beer or kegs; a tailgate includes a variety of food and drink offerings, including nonalcoholic beverages. A party consists of a large group, while a tailgate is smaller groups. A party has its own drinking games, whereas a tailgate is a precursor to going to a game.

The revisions differed from last week’s policies, in which pickup trucks were banned from the lot. Now, trucks will be allowed, and getting a parking permit has become easier, WBAL reports.

Towson University encourages students not to be bystanders, but instead to step in if they see inappropriate behavior. If someone needs medical attention, call 911 or Towson University police at 410-704-4444.

Kickoff for the game is at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, at Johnny Unitas Stadium. The Towson Tigers take on the Stony Brook Seawolves. People wearing pink can get $10 tickets for raising awareness about breast cancer. Those purchasing tickets online can use the promo code “PINK.”

Image from Towson University’s Guide to Successful and Safe Tailgating.

Related: Towson University Tailgating Under Fire