Rhode Island Announces New Tailgating Policy for Football Games

Aug. 19, 2009

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KINGSTON, R.I. -- The University of Rhode Island athletics department is announcing a new tailgating policy for home football games, effective with the upcoming 2009 season.

Beginning with the season opener on Sept. 5 versus Fordham, athletics donors and the general public will have the opportunity to enjoy a traditional tailgating experience with alcohol.

"We look forward to continuing to enhance our home football game day experience for our fans," said Thorr Bjorn, URI's director of athletics. "By providing tailgate areas for our donors as a premium benefit, as well as a public tailgate lot which will be closely managed, I am confident that we will be able to provide our fans with a continually improving college football program."

Recognized donors - at the Captain's Society level ($250 and above) - will have access to the Ram Lot, located directly in front of the Thomas M. Ryan Center, as well as the Ellery Pond area, adjacent to Keaney Gymnasium. Donors at this level may provide their own alcohol in the Ram and Ellery Pond lots. For more information on access to these parking areas and giving to athletics, please call the Athletic Development office at (401) 874-7536.

The general public will have the opportunity to tailgate and purchase beer and wine in the large commuter parking lot located on Plains Road. The parking fee for this lot will be $10 and alcohol will be available for purchase in this area from a vendor tent. Fans MAY NOT transport any alcohol into the Plains Road lots.

Vehicle access to the Plains Road, Ellery Pond, and Ram Lots will begin three (3) hours prior to the scheduled start to the game. All tailgating parking lots will close 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start to the game. All tailgating areas will close 60 minutes after the conclusion of the game.

The legal age for possession and consumption of alcohol in the state of Rhode Island is 21. Additionally, motorcycles, mopeds/scooters, and large trucks are not allowed in the tailgating lots.

There will also be free Family/Alcohol-Free parking areas in the large commuter lot facing Meade Stadium, as well as the smaller parking lot in front of Boss Arena. Both of these parking areas are accessible off Rt. 138 at the marquee sign. Alcohol is not permitted in these parking areas.

"We have worked closely with various departments and agencies on and off campus to ensure that, logistically and strategically, we are all on the same page," Bjorn added. "Our goal is to make the new tailgating policies clear, understandable, and consistent with the best practices in Division I football for providing an enjoyable day for patrons and guests."