Printed on: 06/16/2025. Please go to policy.umn.edu for the most current version of the document.
University of Minnesota  Administrative Policy

Tailgating: Twin Cities

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Policy Statement

The University promotes community-building activities for its faculty, staff, students, and visitors, and recognizes that tailgating has the potential to enhance the Huntington Bank Stadium event experience within a safe, responsible, and controlled environment.

Tailgating is permitted only on Gopher football game days in designated areas, during specified hours, and under the conditions specified in the Tailgating Rules. Tailgating is not permitted for events at any venue on the Twin Cities campus other than Huntington Bank Stadium.

Violations

Individuals who violate this policy, the Tailgating Rules, RV Tailgating Rules, or applicable policies, rules, or law may be assessed fines; lose their season tickets, parking, or tailgating privileges; be removed from campus; and, for students, be subjected to disciplinary action under Board of Regents Policy: Student Conduct Code.

Exceptions

This policy supports the Gopher football experience. The vice president for University Services may approve tailgating at non-Gopher football events held in Huntington Bank Stadium at their discretion.

In rare instances, the vice president for University Services in consultation with the director of Intercollegiate Athletics may grant exceptions to the Tailgating Rules or RV Tailgating Rules within the scope of the law.

This policy applies to the Twin Cities campus only, and only to those events held in Huntington Bank Stadium.

Reason for Policy

To provide the framework for responsible tailgating on Gopher football game days or approved Huntington Bank Stadium event days that enhances the event experience, promotes a safe campus environment, and preserves the beauty of the campus.

Contacts

SubjectContactPhoneEmail
Primary Contact(s)Travis Cameron
Ross Allanson		612-625-2946
612-625-9543		[email protected]
[email protected]
Responsible Individuals
Responsible Officer Policy Owner Primary Contact
  • Athletics Director
  • Vice President for University Services
  • Athletics Director
  • Associate Vice President of Auxiliary Services
  • Travis Cameron
  • Ross Allanson
    Director, Parking and Transportation Services

Definitions

Tailgating

Pre- and post-game festivities outdoors in designated tailgating locations which may include some or all of the following: eating food, drinking beverages (alcoholic or nonalcoholic), grilling, or a canopy.

Responsibilities

Tailgating Pass holders and participants

  • Fans participating in the tailgating game day activities are responsible to know, understand and abide by the Tailgating Policy and the associated Tailgating Rules or associated policies.
 

Director, Intercollegiate Athletics

  • Jointly administer the policy, including maintaining Tailgating Rules and communicating policy and rules for responsible tailgating to participants.

University of Minnesota Parking and Transportation

  • Open and close designated tailgating areas and event parking locations on football game days.
  • Develop and monitor traffic plans and associated expenses.

University of Minnesota Police Department

  • Enforce applicable laws and Tailgating Rules on football game days.

Vice President for University Services

  • Jointly administer the policy, including maintaining Tailgating Rules and communicating policy and rules for responsible tailgating to participants.
  • Determine, in consultation with appropriate University administrators and Intercollegiate Athletics, the University-authorized locations and hours for tailgating on Gopher football game days.
  • Determine exceptions for Huntington Bank Stadium events that are permitted to tailgate.

Related Information

Board of Regents Policies:

Administrative Policies:

History

Amended:

June 2022 - Comprehensive Review, Minor Revision. The primary changes included; stadium name change, adding fan responsibilities, and clarification statement on animals.

Amended:

February 2018 - Comprehensive Review, Minor Revision. The main change is to clarify that the policy applies specifically to events at TCF Bank Stadium, and not at other stadiums or arenas. It also specifies that the policy applies to Gopher football games, not necessarily to other football games that may take place at TCF Bank Stadium.

Amended:

January 2014 -  Comprehensive Review, Major Revision. 1. Expands the applicability of the policy to other major stadium events on the Twin Cities campus, such as concerts. 2. Revises the list of lots in which tailgating is allowed, and addresses hours for tailgating on weekdays and for the RV tailgating lot. 3.Prohibits pets on tailgating lots and includes a new reference to the Board of Regents policy on weapons.

Effective:

January 2009