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Thursday, January 27, 2011

Georgia Football: Fans Want Less Tailgating Restrictions In 2011

UGA north campus 9-13-09Last season, the University of Georgia introduced new tailgating guidelines to North Campus.

The restrictions were a response to the massive trashing of the historic area, and many of them placed a big damper on the gameday experience. The imposed new guidelines were as follows:
  • No tailgating until four hours prior to kickoff. 
  • No tents, kegs, generators, household chairs, amplified music, tables longer than 4 ft., or grills are allowed. 
Essentially, you were allowed to stand around, with a soft drink cosi, and an ipod and that's not exactly the type of fan experience you want—particulary if you're a student of the university.

So, the Student Government Association (SGA) at the University of Georgia is lobbying for a repeal of some of those restrictions—specifically the "no tents and four-hour time ban". Their hope is to have the restraints liften in time for the 2011 football season. However, as of now, it doesn't look like the university will be biting on their suggestions. 

According to George Stafford, vice president in charge of gameday activities, the tailgating experience didn't get the test-run it needed last season due to Georgia's early kickoff times. Most people simply didn't have time to enjoy the atmosphere because the games were often at, or shortly after, noon.

He feels that another year is needed to truly gauge the effect of the restrictions on the gameday experience.

That said, the university is considering enacting more restrictions on other parts of campus—Myers Quad received significant damages during last season.

Either way, for the moment, it doesn't look like the SGA will be receiving any leniency from the university as far as tailgating is concerned.