Tailgating now approved for select home games
The GCSU University Senate unanimously approved a new drug and alcohol policy this past Monday that allows tailgating at home sporting events. The Alcohol and Illegal Use of Controlled Substances Policy passed after five scheduled motions to amend the policy were approved and another motion was introduced. All six were correcting word choice, however, one dealing with the title of the policy attracted most of the discussion.
The policy, which SGA had been pushing, allows tailgating at major events, such as home baseball and basketball games. For the events taking place on Main Campus this year, the surrounding parking areas serving the Centennial Center are designated as the tailgating area on game days and the days of other major events. For events at the John Kurtz Field, tailgating will be permitted in the parking lots serving the Michael Peeler Athletic Complex.
The original title for the policy was Student Policy on Alcohol and Illegal Drugs. Some of the senators felt that this name didn’t cover everything the policy itself did.
“Legal drugs can be used illegally and illegal drugs are always used illegally,” said John Swinton, chair of the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Committee.
The policy states that no alcohol is permitted inside the Centennial Center or any other intercollegiate athletic venue. Additionally, this policy employs a time constraint on tailgating activities: No tailgating is to begin more than three hours prior to an event or continue more than three hours after the event’s conclusion.
Although the University Senate policy covers the issue of intoxicated students at games, it doesn’t leave all students believing it won’t occur.
“People are going to drink as much as they want,” junior math major Stephen Higgins said. “I hope (Public Safety) can keep (tailgating) under control, but it could be a huge mess.”
To help prevent trouble, the policy reserves tailgating rights only to people who are 21 years of age or above. Public Safety must be present at all tailgating events.
Also stated in the policy is that designated “family friendly zones,” for fans who wish to attend events without consuming alcohol, be set up. No alcohol will be allowed in areas designated as “family friendly zones.”
This new tailgating policy is aimed at helping to increase campus pride and unite students before major events on campus. The first tailgating event is planned before the men’s and women’s basketball games on Friday.
“We’re excited about tailgating because it provides a lot of opportunity for campus ethos and building great Georgia College traditions,” SGA President Zach Mullins said.
Posted by Matt Rogers
on Jan 29 2010. Filed under News.
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