06-09.02 鈥� Tailgating Policy

  1. Policy Statement:

    Towson University (鈥淭U鈥� or 鈥淯niversity鈥�) recognizes that University Athletic Events are an important part of the University experience. As such, the University encourages legal, safe, and responsible socializing for those students, alumni, and fans who attend these events. This includes support for Tailgating and other event-day activities that build community, show support for student-athletes, and offer opportunities for social interaction. The Athletics Department manages tailgating events hosted, arranged, or associated with NCAA-sanctioned sporting events. The Campus Recreation Department manages Tailgating events hosted, arranged, or associated with a Division 1, Tier 5 Campus Recreation recognized athletic team.

    The University expects that all members of the University community who participate in Tailgating (including students and guests) will abide by local, state, and federal law, as well as TU policies and procedures. In particular, every individual participating in Tailgating must act in a safe and responsible manner that allows everyone to enjoy University Athletic Events. A Tailgating participant who violates any local, state, or federal law or University policy and procedure is subject to criminal prosecution, fines, removal from University premises, loss of parking and/or Tailgating privileges, and/or applicable disciplinary action under the University鈥檚 Code of Student Accountability.

    As set forth in its Tailgating Policies, which may be amended from time to time, the University permits reasonable consumption of certain alcoholic beverages in specific non-glass containers during designated Tailgating hours and in Designated Areas. In accordance with this Policy and its Procedures, the University requires that all members of the University community, third parties and guests participating in Tailgating pursuant to the University鈥檚 Tailgating Policy, act in a responsible and smart manner to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience. In order to maximize the positive nature of the Tailgating experience, the University encourages respectful treatment, language and behavior towards others. The University does not and will not tolerate harassment, abusive or threatening behavior. Such behavior may be a violation of the University鈥檚 anti-discrimination and harassment policy as well as local, state and federal law.

  2. Definitions:

    1. 鈥淎lcoholic Beverage鈥� is any liquid containing at least one-half percent (0.5%) alcohol by volume, including, though not necessarily limited to, beer, wine, liquor/spirits, or mixed drinks. 

    2. 鈥淒esignated Areas鈥� are those locations (typically in or around parking lots) at which the University allows Tailgating to occur. 

    3. 鈥淕lass Container鈥� includes any and all bottles, glasses, jugs, pitchers, etc. made out of glass; glass items are strictly prohibited during Tailgating. 

    4. 鈥淥pen Container鈥� is a can, or other non-glass receptacle (e.g., box, bag, flask, etc.) containing an Alcoholic Beverage that is open, has a broken seal, or from which the contents are partially removed. 

    5. 鈥淧辞蝉蝉别蝉蝉颈辞苍鈥� is the act of having, transporting, own, distributing, or consuming an Alcoholic Beverage. 

    6. 鈥淭补颈濒驳补迟颈苍驳鈥� is a social event or activity, typically held prior to or after a University Athletic Event, intended to build community, provide opportunities for social interaction, and support student-athletes. Tailgating occurs in a designated area/location and/or setting up temporary amenities such as tables, chairs and tents to consume food and beverages. 

    7. 鈥淯niversity Athletic Event鈥� is (i) an NCAA-sanctioned sporting event or (ii) a Division 1/Tier 5 sporting event managed by the Campus Recreation Department. 

  3. Responsible Executive and Office:

    Responsible Executive:
    Vice President for Student Affairs & Director of Athletics

  4.  

    Responsible Office:
    Office of Student Affairs
    Athletics Department
    TUPD

  5. Entities Affected by this Policy:

    This Policy applies to all members of the University community, including students, faculty, staff, guests, and third-parties. 

  6. Procedures:

    Procedures relating to Tailgating, which may be amended from time to time without the need to amend this Policy, are available at:

    1. Tailgating Procedures.

Related Policies:

TU Policy 06-01.00, Policy Prohibiting Discrimination

TU Policy 06-09.01, Parking Policy

Approval Date: 9/5/2018

Effective Date: 9/5/2015

Acknowledged By: President鈥檚 Council

Signed By: President鈥檚 Council

How to Request the Policy PDF

This online version of the policy may include updated links and names of departments. To request a PDF of the original, signed version of this policy, email the Office of the General Counsel, .