New rules and regulations for tailgating

Michael McShane
Staff Writer

Now that alcoholic beverages will be allowed to be consumed during tailgating parties before games, it can be easy to forget that there are new rules that come with that fact.

First and foremost, the only places that football game attendees will be able to drink beer is in Lot 7 and 20 and even then, it can only be three hours before the game starts and within one hour after the game has finished.

While both Lot 7 and 20A are accessible to anyone, Lot 20A is meant more for out-of-state fans. 

Now with the introduction of tailgating and alcohol, it would be wise to separate each team’s fanbase as they party for the game to avoid any heated alcohol-fueled confrontations. Neither team wants that.

Alcohol may be available now, but smoking is still banned on MNSU grounds. This rule extends to pit fires as well.

MNSU is also implementing a “no pass out and return” policy that will make it that if you pass out from intoxication you will not be admitted back into the stadium.

“What we’re trying to encourage people to do is to understand the rules before you come and obviously to follow them,” said Loren Jansen, an emergency manager who works with campus security.

While alcohol is permitted, alcohol-games will not be allowed on the lots. These include beer pong, kegs or any other kind of activity that requires a large amount of alcoholic consumption. This rule is specifically set in place for the previously mentioned “pass out” policy and to protect against potential incidents of alcohol poisoning.

Minnesota State campus security will be working with the Mankato police department to ensure these rules and regulations are being followed. 

“Lot 7 is already kind of a gated area, so it’s kind of controlled based on its perimeters already established with fencing. Lot 20 is pretty much wide open so we’re going to have a section that’s cornered off,” Jensen said.

Jensen wants everyone to know these rules are not to stop people from having fun, but are merely a way to protect the public and make sure no illegal activity occurs.

Header photo courtesy of Flickr.