Tailgating
isn't just for game goers any more
by
Emily Scmidt, posted Oct. 8, 2007
Tailgating
isn’t just for those attending the football game anymore.
In the past few years, game goers and non-game goers have
started new traditions for supporting their favorite team.
At MU,
a common sight on a Saturday afternoon is the thousands of
college students and their families outside their vehicles
chatting and having a good time.
Some fans
barbecue, some bring coolers and some have picnics, but all
agree tailgating is a time to come together to cheer on Mizzou.
“I
love the thrill of game day," said Lauren Hutton, a freshman
majoring in public relations. "Everyone has a strong
sense of school spirit and it’s a fun place to be.”
However,
with the growing number of tailgaters, safety has become a
concern for MU Police Department.
“As
long as fans follow the tailgating guidelines offered on the
MU athletic Web site, there will be no problems," said
Captain Brian Weimer, spokesman for the MUPD. "If a fan
does not abide by the rules, they will be dealt with accordingly.”
The MUPD
encourages students, families, fans and non-students to have
a good time but to abide by all state and local laws.
“Tailgating
is nothing new," Weimer said. "It has never been
a problem. The problem is the activities and large crowds
it attracts. We look for factors that may contribute to unsafe
behaviors. The area by Providence Road (once known as the
“frat pit”) has attracted thousands of fans blocking
walkways therefore creating a safety concern.”
However,
the “frat pit” is not a documented area, and has
been vacated for some time.
“There
is no such thing, and there never has been,” Weimer
said.
The area
that many students both Greek and non-Greek tailgated at presented
safety concerns and those concerns prompted immediate attention.
“Football
games shouldn’t be treated as a means of underage drinking,”
said Mike Ross, father of an MU student. “If anything,
the police are more aware of the problem and will take disciplinary
action.”
Tailgating
can also bring other issues. Large crowds of people can get
out of hand. Some may perform illegal activities, and underage
drinking is a major one; however, crimes like trespassing
and assault are also occurrences.
“My
parents come to Columbia to see each home game,” said
Michelle Clark, a freshman majoring in international affairs.
“I don’t really tailgate when they come. I sit
in the stands at the game with them, and then when they leave
town after the game, I go out with my friends, but I’m
responsible about it.”
The MU
Police Department enforces all state a local laws. If someone
is underage and caught drinking, they are arrested and dealt
with in that manner. They may be charged with a minor in possession
(MIP) or minor in consumption (MIC).
Further
rules and regulations about tailgating can be found on the
MU athletic Web site.
