Football Tailgating Policy

Tailgating Policy Enforcement Tightened

Due to a concern for the safety of our football fans, portions of the tailgate policy that were not strictly enforced in the past will be actively enforced in the future. Because of the number of fans that enjoy tailgating, large trucks (U-Haul-type, over 2-1/2 tons), will not be permitted in the lot 63 tailgate area. All trailers and pull-behind grills will not be allowed entry. Buses will also not be permitted in the tailgate area. "Formal Tailgate" areas with large grills, tables and canopies will only be permitted on the north end of the stadium around the ponds and will be coordinated through the Athletic Department. Stages, tables and any other items will not be permitted to take up parking space or block drives in the tailgate area. Glass containers are not permitted by policy and this will be strictly enforced. These measures are not a change in the Official CMU Tailgating Policy. They are only a renewed commitment to actively enforce our existing policy to ensure the safety of all our fans.

Tailgating Policy

Tailgating is defined as the participation in a social event in a designated area. This policy refers specifically to tailgating at CMU home football games.


1. Tailgating is permitted from three hours prior to kick-off and for one hour at the conclusion of the game.

2. Tailgating is not permitted during the game or at halftime.

3. Michigan law pertaining to the possession, consumption and distribution of alcohol and controlled substances will be enforced.

4. Kegs or mass quantities of alcohol are not permitted.

5. Glass containers are not permitted in the tailgate areas.

6. Large trucks (U-Haul type, over 2-1/2 tons) without Athletic Department approval are not permitted in the tailgating area.

7. Large grills pulled by vehicles (on their own wheels) without Athletic Department approval are not permitted in the tailgating area.

8. Buses are not permitted in the tailgating area.

9. Drinking game apparatus are not permitted in the tailgating area.

10. The CMU Police Department determines the tailgating area. Alcohol is not permitted outside this area.

11. All stand-alone tents must be approved in advance by the Athletics Department before they are permitted in the tailgate area.

12. People participating in the tailgate activates are required to clean up their trash. Dumpsters and trash receptacles are provided throughout the tailgating area.

13. Any violation of the tailgating policy may result in the immediate termination of tailgating privileges, criminal prosecution (i.e., misdemeanor ticketing), and/or disciplinary action through the CMU Office of Student Life if the violator is a CMU student.

REMINDER: It is risky to serve alcoholic beverages to anyone other than yourself and your immediate party. Michigan law requires a license before a person can sell, trade, or give away alcoholic beverages, and violation of this law is a felony. A social host does not need a license to serve his/her invited guests who fall within the usual understanding of friends and personal visitors. A social host, however, may be liable to guests and others for injuries resulting from serving alcohol, especially to a minor.

Football Parking

Parking opens 3 hours before game time for all games. Early parking is prohibited in the parking lots surrounding the stadium except for vehicles displaying a Chippewa Club football parking pass. Violators will be ticketed or towed. Overnight camping is prohibited on the entire CMU Campus. There are several local campgrounds available for overnight camping when visiting CMU.

The football parking fee is $8 for each normal sized vehicle and $15 for oversized vehicles such as motor homes, cargo trucks, and other vehicles over twenty feet in length.

Stadium Entry Guidelines

The following items and/or actions are NOT permitted in the stadium:

  • Umbrellas
  • Coolers
  • Glass or open containers
  • Animals
  • Smoking
  • Alcoholic beverages - Possession of alcohol inside the gate is considered criminal trespass and consent to forfeiture of alcohol and container.