Tailgating Procedures

These Procedures implement Towson University Policy 06-09.02 鈥� Tailgating Policy, incorporate its definitions, and may be amended from time to time without the need to amend that policy.

  1. Rules and Management

    1. All Towson University (鈥淭U鈥� or 鈥淯niversity鈥�) policies and procedures, along with local, state, and federal law, are effective and subject to enforcement during Tailgating. This includes, but is not limited to, the use of Illegal Drugs, smoking, the distribution and sale of Alcoholic Beverages and Illegal Drugs, and underage consumption of Alcoholic Beverages.
    2. The University may establish special rules, restrictions, or regulations specifically applicable to unique events or circumstances (g., Homecoming, Family Weekend, TigerFest, etc.). In such cases, these Procedures remain in effect in addition to those additional rules, restrictions, or regulations established by the University.
    3. The University鈥檚 Athletics Department coordinates Tailgating hosted, arranged, or associated with NCAA-sanctioned sporting events.
    4. The University鈥檚 Campus Recreation Department (鈥淐ampus Recreation鈥�) coordinates Tailgating hosted, arranged, or associated with a Division 1/Tier 5 Campus Recreation Sports Club.
    5. During a University Athletic Event, the Athletics Department and/or Campus Recreation are responsible for:
      1. Ensuring use of a sound monitor;
      2. Assigning appropriate safety management to work the event; and
      3. Adhering to the TU Outdoor Events Guidelines and recommended security levels provided by the University鈥檚 Office of Public Safety.

  2. Guidelines, Expectations, and Prohibitions

    1. These Procedures require that all members of the University community, third parties, and guests participating in Tailgating pursuant to the Tailgating Policy act in a responsible manner to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience. To maximize the positive nature of the Tailgating experience, the University encourages respectful language and behavior towards others. The University does not tolerate harassing, abusive, or threatening behavior, which may constitute a violation of TU Policy 06-01.00 鈥� Policy Prohibiting Discrimination  and the University鈥檚 Code of Student Accountability, as well as local, state, and federal law. 
    2. A Tailgating participant who violates a University policy or procedure and/or any local, state, or federal law may be removed from University premises, incur fines, lose parking and/or Tailgating privileges, be subject to applicable disciplinary action, and face criminal prosecution.鈥�
    3. The University permits Tailgating in Designated Areas only. Advanced approval for Tailgating in alternative locations must be granted by the Athletics Department.
    4. Tailgating participation can occur in either of the following ways: (i) on a first come, first served basis (e., waiting in line prior to the opening Designated Areas); or (ii) by making a Tailgating reservation in advance through the Athletics Department.
    5. All Tailgating for Division 1/Tier 5 Sports Clubs must be sponsored by an alumnus or a parent and be approved by Campus Recreation.
    6. Tailgating is intended to occur prior to or following a University Athletic Event and is discouraged during the event.  Attendees are encouraged to attend the event inside the stadium or field.
    7. Smoking tobacco products, smoking marijuana, and all forms of vaping is prohibited on University property.
    8. Tailgating participants are required to keep the Designated Areas clean by using trash bins, which are provided in the parking lots. Trash and recycling bags can be found at 鈥淎-Frame鈥� stations at the entrance of each parking lot and help to support University sustainability initiatives.
    9. Platforms, stages, and similar structures are prohibited at Tailgating events unless approved in advance by the Athletics Department or Campus Recreation. Canopy tents are permitted as provided in Section VI below.
    10. Amplified sound over ninety-five (95) decibels at the source is prohibited at Tailgating events. This limit applies to personal and hand-held devices as well as vehicle-enhanced sound systems and freestanding speakers.
    11. All University recognized, unrecognized, active, and non-active undergraduate fraternal organizations are prohibited from Tailgating on University property pursuant to their national rules and regulations.
    12. Active sports (e.g., frisbees, footballs, cornhole, Kan Jam, etc.) are allowed during Tailgating so long as the activity does not (i) endanger or disrupt other individuals; (ii) interfere with other individuals鈥� use and enjoyment of the Tailgating space, and (iii) involve the competitive consumption of alcohol. The University reserves the right to determine when an active sport may be dangerous or disruptive and may require that an activity be stopped.
    13. Unless the Athletics Department grants prior written approval, solicitations, including the distribution or sale of anything of value, are prohibited during Tailgating. Approval requests must be made in advance to the Athletics Department.
    14. Tailgating in Designated Areas on Homecoming may be subject to additional rules and restrictions, including different Tailgating hours of operation. Homecoming rules and restrictions will be published annually on or before August 1 of each calendar year and will be made available on the Athletics Department鈥檚 website.

  3. Hours of Operation

    1. Unless otherwise approved by TU鈥檚 Office of Student Affairs or the Athletics Department:

      1. Tailgating is permitted in Designated Areas each week between Friday at 3:00 p.m. and Sunday at 9:00 p.m.

      2. Tailgating is permitted beginning four (4) hours prior to the start of a University Athletic Event; and all Tailgating must end within two (2) hours following the conclusion of the event.

    2. Tailgating on Homecoming may be subject to different (including more limited) hours of operations. Homecoming hours of operation will be published annually on or before August 1 of each calendar year and will be made available on the Athletics Department鈥檚 website.
    3. The University may grant exceptions to allow Tailgating outside the normal hours of operation, as described in Section III.A above. Requests for such exceptions must be submitted to the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs as far in advance of the event as possible (but no less than two (2) weeks in advance). If an exception is approved, notification of the Tailgating event, along with written permission from the University, must be provided to the University鈥檚 Office of Public Safety at least seven (7) working days prior to the event.

  4. Alcoholic Beverages and Drugs

    1. Individuals twenty-one (21) or more years of age are permitted to consume Alcoholic Beverages while Tailgating in Designated Areas only, subject to reasonable consumption limits.
    2. Individuals under twenty-one (21) years of age are prohibited by state law from possessing Alcoholic Beverages. It is also prohibited for individuals under twenty-one (21) years of age to purchase, consume, distribute, store, or transport Alcoholic Beverages.
    3. Operating or being in actual physical control of a motor vehicle on University property while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited. Tailgating participants who intend to drink Alcoholic Beverages are strongly encouraged to designate a sober driver.
    4. Individuals twenty-one (21) or more years of age are permitted to possess Open Containers while Tailgating in Designated Areas only. Possession of an Open Container outside of the Designated Areas is prohibited by state law and University policy.  A driver of a motor vehicle may be subject to criminal prosecution if any occupant in that motor vehicle possesses an Open Container.
    5. The University prohibits beer kegs, party balls, multi-quart containers of any type of Alcoholic Beverage, drinking paraphernalia (g., funnels, beer bongs, ice luges, etc.), and drinking games of any kind during Tailgating (e.g. beer pong, beer die or snappa, flip cup, slap cup, drinking cornhole, and drinking Kan Jam, etc.).
    6. Glass containers of any kind are strictly prohibited during Tailgating.
    7. Manufacturing and sale of Alcoholic Beverages while Tailgating is prohibited.

  5. Parking

    1. Tailgating participants who have a motor vehicle must follow the instructions of University event staff. Event staff will assist drivers in identifying Designated Areas for Tailgating.
    2. Only one vehicle is permitted per parking space and vehicles may not leave and re-enter a parking lot in a Designated Area.
    3. Tailgating participants must always keep roadways and access points clear.
    4. Tailgating on University property that is not a Designated Area is prohibited, including but not limited to Tailgating in University garages.
    5. The identifies Designated Areas for Tailgating. Typically, Designated Areas include:

      1. For University Athletic Events, Lots 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. In addition, Lots 3, 9, and 10 may be used for overflow or regular season parking. 

      2. For NCAA-sanctioned swimming/diving events and baseball games, Towsontown Field and certain areas between Burdick Hall and John Schuerholz Field.
    6. The University reserves the right to restrict vehicle entry or parking, as well as to preclude Tailgating in certain parking spaces or other areas.

  6. Tents

    1. Subject to the rules and restrictions set forth in this Section, the University permits Tailgating participants to use canopy tents to enhance their enjoyment of the event.
    2. Canopy tents may not:

      1. Have a sidewall(s);

      2. Be larger than 10鈥� x 10鈥�;

      3. Interfere with vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic;

      4. Occupy a space reserved for a motor vehicle(s);

      5. Be erected on the hard surfaces and other areas where ingress and egress would be limited (as determined by the University in its sole discretion) except in Lot 7; and/or

      6. Be erected in parking spots between parked vehicles unless the Tailgating participant has purchased or made arrangements with the Athletics Department for a second designated spot without a car present.
    3. When inclement weather is forecasted or occurs, the University reserves the right to ban the use of tents. Inclement weather refers to weather conditions that are either unsafe or undesirable for outdoor events.
    4. Tents must be:

      1. Secured such that wind will not dislodge the tent (provided, however, that stakes may not be used in any location to secure a tent); and

      2. Taken down at the direction of University personnel if they present a reasonable risk of harm to others.

  7. Violations

    Individuals who violate these Procedures or other applicable policies, regulations, rules, or laws may be subject to criminal prosecution, fines, loss of parking and/or Tailgating privileges, removal from University property, and/or (if University students) disciplinary action under the Code of Student Accountability.

Effective Date: August 27, 2025