UGA needs to decide if it really wants tailgating or not
Grilling was part of the North Campus tailgating scene in 2009 before the restrictions were put in place. (Photo by Bill King)
I’m not sure what the UGA committee assigned with issuing game day rules hopes to accomplish with the “easing” of North Campus tailgate restrictions announced Thursday.
The changes don’t amount to a whole lot: Tables can now be 6 feet long instead of just 4; set-up can now be five hours before kickoff instead of four; and, most notably, tents are allowed again. The five-hour limit might make things a bit easier for morning tailgating on the days of noon games, but still pretty much will preclude much of a tailgating scene if kickoff is scheduled for mid-afternoon or evening.
And the other restrictions instituted last season remain in place. No kegs, generators, TVs, amplified music, grills or cookers of any type or household furniture (folding chairs not included). It’s hard to imagine many folks wanting to go to the trouble of hauling a tent and table to North Campus if they can’t cook anything.
We all recall what prompted the new rules, of course. North Campus had become tailgate central and was one big drunken party. While the official reason for clamping down was to protect the historic old campus quads from damage, in reality UGA was embarrassed by national media attention given to the tons of garbage left behind by tailgaters and the increasingly disgusting behavior (mainly involving drunks relieving themselves in public) during the 2009 season, when there were a lot of night games, making for daylong tailgating.
Tim Burgess, a UGA vice president, maintained Thursday that the changes were never aimed at wiping out tailgating on North Campus. “The essence of the changes was to change the type of behavior and the kind of experience. We saw some tailgating in North Campus last season that fulfilled that,” he told The Red & Black.
In reality, last year, after the new rules were put in place, hardly anybody bothered to tailgate on North Campus, with most of the action shifting to the Myers Quadrangle.
Actually, the biggest surprise in Thursday’s announcement was that UGA decided to hold off on clamping down on the Myers tailgating, which got a bit out of hand when there finally was a night game last season. “There was a lot of discussion about Myers Quad, whether the behavior and types of tailgating on North Campus is now happening on Myers Quad,” Burgess said. “There was some discussion as to whether or not we should institute some restriction over there. The consensus of the committee what that we should not do that yet,” but he wouldn’t rule out restrictions there in the future.
School officials seem conflicted on the issue of tailgating. Probably thinking of all the positive press that Old Miss garners for its charming tailgating scene at the Grove, another UGA veep, George Stafford, told the AJC that it’s hoped that the relaxed rules will “bring more people out and they will have a good time.”
But just adding tents and bigger tables doesn’t seem likely to revive North Campus tailgating. And Stafford made it clear that things won’t go back to the way they were because of “the damage that was being caused. The all-day drinking The behavior issues. … We were just tearing up the grounds there.”
If UGA really wants a healthy tailgating scene on North Campus, one of two different approaches seems necessary: Either turn the North Campus quads over to companies who will operate supervised paid tailgating areas where deposits are forfeited if trash is left behind; or lift the restrictions and deal with the trash and behavior problems by adding a heavier police presence and active enforcement of laws on public drunkenness and indecent behavior.
Halfway measures like those taken Thursday don’t serve anybody’s interests.
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77 comments Add your comment
heyberto
March 25th, 2011
11:03 am
Also, more outlets available for trash disposal and bathroom access. I still maintain that the ‘transient’ tailgater who stopped to see friends or grabbed a spot on the lawn is probably more to blame for the bad behavior than those that packed in or packed out. Those people didn’t want to police trash that they didn’t create. The new rules may have solved the problem, but I think they’re punishing the wrong people.
The Orginal WDE
March 25th, 2011
11:06 am
The basic fact is you don’t see this kind of filth most places.
It’s hilarious to compare the Grove at Ole Miss to the dump that is UGA tailgating.
UGA Insider
March 25th, 2011
11:10 am
This committee is more confused and dumbfounded than The Obama Administration and that is bad.
The Orginal WDE
March 25th, 2011
11:11 am
With the exception of Florida, you see more bad T-shirts and mesh jerseys in Athens than any other SEC school.
trailer trash dawg
March 25th, 2011
11:15 am
who cares? I dont attend UGA games anymore because the UGA powers that be are snobs.
Temporary Tailgating
March 25th, 2011
11:21 am
No need to worry because when UGA has another sorry season under Richt nobody will come to tailgate and watch a bunch of ear bling wearing tattooed thugs dance and lose.
RealDawg
March 25th, 2011
11:22 am
Typically, it isn’t the guys hauling $5,000 grills that create the problems. So let those come back.
The worst issues I have seen relate to a lack of clean up and trash cans. I think the Dawg Nation is gonna have to have some pride and clean their crap up before heading to the game. With that said, I have left our area spotless only to find it a mess when we return.
If we don’t begin to self enforce, I do think the school should begin to zone off areas and issue tailgate permits with a fee. It is a priveledge not a right. I realize most of the mess occurs on night games and often times isn’t even students (but not always). The grown ups involved are just going to have to take charge.
Bawbie
March 25th, 2011
11:22 am
FIRE DAVE PERNO!!!!!!!!!!!
schmeckdawg
March 25th, 2011
11:30 am
Heck, I am 51 years old and these rules make no sense! Tailgating with no grills, generators, TV’s or amplified music…come on! I’ve gone to dinner’s at peoples houses that were more tailgating oriented than what it will be in Athens. It is however awfully nice of them to allow us to have folding chairs so that we don’t have to stand all day/night (sarcasm intended). Bring back the 70’s!!!!!
schmeckdawg
March 25th, 2011
11:34 am
@RealDawg, that has happened to me several times. I think that MAYBE the students that don’t go to the games raid our spots and then leave it a mess! If it’s not the students, SORRY in advance!
Cheatin Gene
March 25th, 2011
11:35 am
We litter with dollars at Auburn!
TRS421
March 25th, 2011
11:44 am
Bill…I wish they’d follow your lead in the last paragraph. There are plenty of student organizations that would jump at the chance to raise $$$ by renting the tailgate spots and policing them for trash unruly behavior.
Seems like UGA & these student groups could both make $$$ and keep the area clean during tailgating. WIN-WIN situation.
the real Kirby Smart
March 25th, 2011
11:44 am
F**K Mike Adams………it’s more fun to go to road games these days. Sad. Billy Payne, Jim Blanchard and some of the other big money guys(who also hate Adams with a passion) need to take Mikie out. And that liquior peddling, gymnastics coach lovin buffoon Leebern with him. Esp. now that Adams doesn’t have Perdue to protect him anymore…..just Don leebern.
Athens= God's Country
March 25th, 2011
11:48 am
Look at the picture. See any trash cans? I didn’t think so. I was tailgating there that day. Myself and several others were complaining about the LACK OF trash cans and port-a-potties. I even saw a 6 year old little boy pee on himself waiting in the loooooong line for the bathroom. Its real simple, put more port-a-potties out there. Also, put more trashcans out there. And one more damn thing, pick up the trash when it is full and replace it with a new one!
Go Dawgs!
F Mikey Adams!
gcs
March 25th, 2011
11:56 am
The University of Georgia has some misguided snobs in charge of the University. They don’t realize that football and its popularity can be a good thing. Face it, UGA is never going to be Harvard, but there is a way to have a good mix of football and being an excellent educational institution. Repressing football fans is not the way to do it.
No generators, TVs, grills or cookers of any type or household furniture? Are you kidding me?
If Georgia wants to succeed at football and as a University, the President on down to the janitors need to embrace the asset that is football in Athens. Why do you think so many schools are starting football programs?
I really question Michael Adams’ leadership, priorities and motives.
.
Great Thought
March 25th, 2011
12:06 pm
Since it is thought that mainly students, who don’t get tickets to the game and just party, are the ones who act up and leave trash everywhere, how about give more students tickets to watch their school’s football team play.
So crazy, it might just work…..
Saint Richt and his gangsta football team
March 25th, 2011
12:18 pm
We need another blackout game!!!
2011 champs baby
UGASlobberknocker
March 25th, 2011
12:26 pm
@ Great Thought Wrong. No one knows if the students who trashed the place went to the game or not. I think the students should get less tickets since they dont show up for some games, or get there in the 2nd qtr and leave at halftime. use em or lose em
Atticus
March 25th, 2011
12:34 pm
Michael Adams is a joke. This problem could’ve been solved years ago by paying for trash pickup and having roaving security. Problem solved. And NO you don’t have to rent spaces, come on! People already pay enough $$ to be there, just pay a dozen guys to be security and have roaving mobile trash pickups and the problem would have been solved. He is a freaking idiot and it’s embarrassing that he is the president of UGA. Honestly.
Top Dawg
March 25th, 2011
12:44 pm
ESPN
dog85
March 25th, 2011
12:53 pm
Away games are much for fun for UGA fans! Only true fans attend those!
GEORGIA97
March 25th, 2011
12:54 pm
If I ever see Mike Adams I’m gonna kick him square in the nuts.
mgdawg
March 25th, 2011
1:02 pm
You’re dead on, these new rules won’t do a whole lot to improved the tailgating scene at UGA. There may be more people out there then last year, which was closer to 0 then 100 when I walked by, but it isn’t going to be like it is everywhere else in the SEC. I like the idea of zoning and having to pay a small fee, even if it is 5 dollars, this would probably pay for extra security.
Dragonman
March 25th, 2011
1:29 pm
Extremely disappointed in this. My son is a UGA graduate and we drive up from North Carolina to attend games. Part of the fun has been tailgating. You can tell that the one’s making these decisions are “Professional Educators” because apparently they do not know how to fix this issue. Get the Greek organizations to cleanup as part of their community services hours and hire addtional security to patrol and give tickets for violations. Ban glass bottles. I agree that that part of the issue has been a lack of portable restrooms and trash cans.
Cobb Dawg
March 25th, 2011
1:29 pm
Auburn has a tightly controlled tailgating area overseen by a third-party management company. Totally different atmosphere, as seen at last year’s UGA-Auburn game. That’s the approach I’d vote for.
P. Bull Terrier
March 25th, 2011
1:39 pm
There are already plenty of places in Athens where companies operate supervised paid tailgating areas, complete with tables, chairs, restrooms, electricity, TVs, food, and alcohol. They even clean up the mess after everyone leaves. They are called RESTAURANTS.
AltamahaDawg
March 25th, 2011
1:52 pm
Interesting take from some folks., Appearantly they beleive Dr Adams restricts what they can do in commercial parking spot that they paid pocket change for, to tailgate any way they want.
GeoffDawg
March 25th, 2011
1:57 pm
This is the best news I’ve gotten this year!
That extra 2 feet of table space will really help since me and the boys all drink martinis at our tailgate and need the room to sit them down. Plus now we can put out tents up again… It was awful last year without the shield from the sun, I mean we’re a bunch of fellas who take pride in our appearance, i.e. use a lot of product in our hairs and the sun does not mesh well with this.
Geaux you big Hairy Georgia Bulldogs!!!
Patrick
March 25th, 2011
1:57 pm
Is it too much to ask that with all the profits the school and athletic department are making, that they provide more portable restrooms and dumpsters? Seems like that would take care of a large part of the problem… Too much to ask I suppose. What a joke…
REg
March 25th, 2011
2:19 pm
Enter your comments here
Bubba J. Dawgman
March 25th, 2011
2:21 pm
Thank you Patrick!
Yes there were some morons (a lot of them I guess) that ruined it for everybody. But my family and thousands of others never had a problem keeping our area clean and not urinating on the lawns.
GT is a 4th rate high school team
March 25th, 2011
2:31 pm
Pres. Adams seems to be so hated at UGA. When is he ever retiring or just plain leaving?????LOL
CHARLOTTE DAWG
March 25th, 2011
2:34 pm
Michael Adams and his absurd vision of making UGA the Harvard of the South is the problem! Most SEC schools are run by Presidents that have a clue about the University’s culture.
I hope he disappears.
Erik
March 25th, 2011
2:36 pm
Great piece Bill! You said it all.
Trojan Dawg
March 25th, 2011
2:37 pm
Maybe they could generate some revenue and issue permits and assign areas for those big groups that like to grill with the larger grills.
Jackets2010
March 25th, 2011
2:54 pm
How does Adams survive?
Does he have an annual renewal contract?
I guess he thinks he’s forcing civilization on you.
I think both Tech and Uga specialize in hiring folks who are totally wrong for the college.
There are lots of common sense solutions on this blog.
Too easy for the folks making the decisions to figure out.
DawginLex
March 25th, 2011
3:10 pm
Hey original WDE
Congratulations on the 2011 Fulmer Cup!!
A new points record!!!
http://www.everydayshouldbesaturday.com/
PDX Dawg
March 25th, 2011
3:23 pm
obviously trash cans need to be available….but since when is it okay to just thorw the trash on the ground when there is not a trash can around? Bring a TRASH BAG. Good grief there are some major whiners out there. Most universities dont have this issue. I’m all for better enforcement (police giving fat tickets to offenders)of the rules as well.
ColumbiaDawg
March 25th, 2011
3:31 pm
I’m surprised that UGA even considered easing up the rules considering the shape that Myers Quad was in after the Georgia Tech game. It looked like a junkyard.
Jackets2011
March 25th, 2011
3:36 pm
We feel so sorry for you having Adams as president we’ve let you win the last nine out of ten.
We were afraid that Adams plus losses to Tech would cause a mass suicide over there.
Riven
March 25th, 2011
3:52 pm
What the heck do you expect when you get tens of thousands of illiterate, trashy, drunk dawgtards together in one place? Get used to the filth and squalor.
There’s a reason UGA is called The Cesspool of the South.
Buckeye
March 25th, 2011
3:53 pm
Sounds fun. I hope I can witness first hand one day – you know – using university buildings/libraries as personal porta toilets and I’n not just talking hiding behind a bush ( or perhaps I should say hedge).
Y’all must be proud of that behaivor.
You know what they say on ESPN: Never Graduate.
Saint Jan
March 25th, 2011
4:01 pm
Attention, everyone, especially dawgtards. We will now observe a moment of silence in memory of Saint Jan Kemp, who exposed the shameful practices at UGA that were initiated and carried out by slimeball Vince Dooley. Dooley’s image as a coach and a nice guy were forever shattered during the trial, not to mention the one million dollars that dawgtards had to pay Saint Jan. These practices of recruiting morons and coddling them for four years, them tossing them out like garbage, are still going on, but at least the world knows what’s happening in Athens now.
And now, the moment of silence…
.
.
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Thank you, you may resume your normal redneck activities now.
Coach Grohbo
March 25th, 2011
4:02 pm
Every other college fan base is mature enough to handle tailgating.
UGA’s is not.
UGA should to ban it entirely.
Coach Grohbo
March 25th, 2011
4:05 pm
No other fan base squats and poops on its sidewalks and quads.
UGA’s does.
Dawg
March 25th, 2011
4:07 pm
Enter your comments here
Buckeye
March 25th, 2011
4:10 pm
Coach,
“squats and poops”……weren’t they part of the Mat Drills?
Coach Grohbo
March 25th, 2011
4:10 pm
No other fan base just walks off, leaving their destroyed tents, disposable coolers, food and beer cans behind.
UGA’s does.
Give them an inch and they will take a mile.
As a Georgia taxpayer, I say ban it entirely.
JSD
March 25th, 2011
4:13 pm
Tailgating litter actually creates jobs… The only reason a diaper company is in business is because it takes care of an infants waste. Garbage companies give bids to UGA to clean up tailgating trash (waste). The garbage company is paid to pick up trash, which obviously trickles down tothe employee. If the tailgater cleans it all up, the garbage companies don’t need employees. And BOOM goes the dynamite!
Coach Grohbo
March 25th, 2011
4:17 pm
Squats and poops are techniques taught to Georgia’s defensive backs.
They are good students.
Buckeye
March 25th, 2011
4:17 pm
Dang, Coach Sweater Vest’s emails sure point to his knowing a lot more than he said.
Of course that would NEVER happen at THE Ohio State University
AltamahaDawg
March 25th, 2011
4:29 pm
Just as I predicted last year when this story broke: They went overboard on purpose to stop the abuse, then they relaxed it back to a point where the vast majority of fans can easily live with it.
Buckeye
March 25th, 2011
5:29 pm
I may be a complete a**wipe, but I’m SO sophisticated and clever.
tony
March 25th, 2011
8:27 pm
The answer is to get rid of Michael Adams.
Scott
March 25th, 2011
8:40 pm
Very disappointing reaction to what was a very embarrassing tailgating scene. I had friend come from out of town last year and they were comparing the scene to NC State’s (never been there, but I can’t imagine it’s a good comparison). At least we have some fun away games in 2011.
AltamahaDawg
March 25th, 2011
9:57 pm
What’s disapointing about not allowing kegs and couches on a publically owned manicured historic site?
AltamahaDawg
March 25th, 2011
9:59 pm
Tables and chairs and tents, and coolers, and boxes of food are what 95% of tailgaters bring no matter what the restrictions are.
AltamahaDawg
March 25th, 2011
10:03 pm
If you really need to roll out household furniture and big screens, who wants to lug that stuff 5 blocks in the first place. Pay the chicken scratch 40 bucks, open the back of the SUV and have at it.
UGA '05
March 25th, 2011
10:29 pm
Hell get the Green Club to clean the mess up. They are environment friendly. Plus it would give them hours of volunteering.
Cali Dawg
March 25th, 2011
11:36 pm
Notice how fast the haters post on the Dawg blogs? In your mind 24/7/365!
big d dawg
March 25th, 2011
11:50 pm
charging for tailgating?? is there no cap to the greed. $1000 a year for the privilege to buy tickets, $120 to park in a deck paid for with tax payer money, and now you want to charge me to tailgate. I’ll be the first to drop all my donations and tickets if that happens.
chazzo.crw
March 26th, 2011
6:11 am
As sloppy and irresponsible as the fans may have been, why can’t UGA set up proper receptacles? Set up designated areas with plenty of temporary trash cans, dumpsters, and porta-potties. Then police it. For the price of tickets and parking, what’s another $5 to cover the additional costs. Tailgating of some variety is going to occur whether it is structured, legal, and instituted.
Silver Classic
March 26th, 2011
7:03 am
Tailgating is no problem at Bulldog Park. Grills, TV, Bathrooms, tents, etc. are all part of the experience. You are even free to have fun if you care to. Check it our at http://www.bulldogpark.com
AltamahaDawg
March 26th, 2011
7:04 am
I don’t get the outrage. Nobody seriously disagrees with these simple rules.
AltamahaDawg
March 26th, 2011
7:12 am
And yes Bill , they really DO want tailgating. Or allow it anyway. Not sure it’ really the universities place to even “want ” or not. They bend over backward to accomodate patrons that have no more rights than what buying a ticket to a sporting event afford them, when it really come down to the cold hard facts.
GR82BAG8R
March 26th, 2011
7:17 am
Simple solution: Charge a hefty fee for every tailgating spot and use the money to pay for numerous porta-potties and trash cans. Upon inspection after the game that confirms no trash is left behind, half the fee is returned. Additionally, post signs that remind Bulldog fans to clean up after themselves and to take some pride in where they are.
Tailgating without cooking is not tailgating. Period.
AltamahaDawg
March 26th, 2011
8:40 am
That is a simple solution, and already exist NOW, almost anywhere you look.
AltamahaDawg
March 26th, 2011
8:56 am
except for the hours of interviewing 30k people after dark, and the armored cash handlers it would take for your refund proposal.
GR82BAG8R
March 26th, 2011
10:03 am
Set it up so you have to rent the space in advance – - along with the season tickets if you want to tailgate. People complained about the lack of trashcans and lack of toilets. Only let those who pay in advance for a spot tailgate. All it takes is a little planning and some enforced structure and you can make it more enjoyable for everyone. Charge more for larger spaces for winnebago’s etc.
Tailgating is an SEC tradition. It’s just not college football without tailgating and that means cooking.
Law of supply and demand works wonders….
AltamahaDawg
March 26th, 2011
11:18 am
What are you missing? They already do all of that. Cook away. Good grief.
Mississippi Dawg
March 26th, 2011
12:08 pm
As a UGA grad that now lives in MS, I can offer some perspective…I’ve been to Ole Miss and State games and they do have nice controlled tailgaiting (esp the Grove)…but this is about numbers….UGA has easily twice as many fans that “have” to drive in (mostly from ATL) to the game…More people means you have a need for MORE port-a-potties and trash cans…given a convenient place to dispose/relieve oneself and a greater police presence will produce a better result than banning grills, TV’s or couches. Serioulsy,tailgaiting without grilling out? How silly.
AltamahaDawg
March 26th, 2011
3:08 pm
They don’t allow tailgating at Ol miss right on top of thier historical assets.
TheRawr
March 29th, 2011
12:05 pm
There’s a funny cartoon about a guy who’s never been tailgating and doesn’t know anything about football, but he loves it cause it’s just sitting around eating and drinking.
http://thedailyrawr.com/2011/03/19/tailgating/
Bamma Ramma
March 30th, 2011
8:22 pm
Big difference: at the Bama Quad and Ole Miss Grove, fans pick up their trash when they leave. Plus, there are tons of bathrooms, trash receptacles, power provided (no generators are needed), etc. At UGa, the fans just leave most of their trash on the ground, pack up and stagger back to their trucks, half drunk and angry about another bad game.
LetEmDrink
March 31st, 2011
9:54 am
UGA fans certainly aren’t going to enjoy many games next season….might as well let them get drunk first. If they want to trash it like they were in their own trailer park, have some prisoners come clean it up
Lugnut
March 31st, 2011
10:52 am
You artsy liberal types folks want a nanny state and then B&%$h when you get it.
Why not simply open all spaces to all, but ban the booze. No – really. Do you have to drink to enjoy a day in Athens? Must you be drunk to enjoy football? No and No. The town and the Game are actually quite enjoyable even without be inebriated. Try it. I know – how else are you to justify your loathsome behavior?
No More Drinking!
April 1st, 2011
2:52 am
The university needs to ban all forms of drinking on game days in Athens. I’m tired of seeing all these drunks all over town, staggering around downtown and then to and from the game. There is way too much drinking already in athens—it must be stopped on gameday. The government should totally ban all drinking on Saturdays during the fall of any type. If not, I may not go to a game next year!