Tailgating has a long tradition at the University of Idaho, and while UI officials encourage students to have a positive game day experience, the number one priority is the safety of the students and the fans.
This year the Moscow Police Department will increase visibility in the vicinity of the Kibbie Dome on game days in an effort to better enforce the laws on underage drinking. Underage students who are under the influence of alcohol can be arrested and taken off campus.
Brooklynn Watts, Panhellenic Council president, said Moscow Police will have a similar presence to that of past years at this year’s tailgate events.
“Moscow Police are always trolling during tailgating,” Watts said. “Looking for people who are under 21 who have been drinking … they’re really cracking down on underage drinking. I know we say that every year but they really are.”
Chris Chesnut, president of the Interfraternity Council, agreed things won’t look too different from years before.
“Tailgating is very popular here. It’s been a tradition for a long time,” Chesnut said. “Moscow Police have always been involved in game day. I don’t think they’re out to get anyone. The measures we’ve taken are mostly preventative.”
Campus Police Lieutenant Dave Lehmitz said the police will be present to ensure the safety of students and fans.
“Increased visibility stems back from the task force,” Lehmitz said. “We’re taking alcohol violations very seriously — not that we haven’t been in the past, but this year we’ve had some very serious incidents involving alcohol on our campus. And this is just one element of a multifaceted design to cut down the amount of underage drinking on campus.”
The substance abuse task force, created last spring by former UI president M. Duane Nellis, serves to advise the university on drug and alcohol related issues. According to Chesnut, the task forces and the police aren’t the only groups that have implemented measures to slow down underage drinking.
“Both the IFC and Panhellenic have been doing things to ensure house members are following the regulations,” Chesnut said. “If a member gets an infraction they have to come before the board — and each house has their own governing body that ensures each member is complying.”
ASUI President Max Cowan said tailgating is a great way to bring all kinds of Vandals together.
“I’m excited for students to make responsible choices and to have a safe and fun tailgate,” Cowan said. “Tailgating is a wonderful way for all students regardless of living situation or major to come together and responsibly show their Vandal pride.”
Watts said the most important thing about tailgating is to make sure to behave responsibly and safely.
“Tailgating is a part of the culture here,” Watts said. “We just want to make sure everyone is safe.”
Other changes made to the tailgating policy include an effort to bring fewer cars to the Kibbie Dome. Parking and Transportation Services will operate the Vandal Trolley on game days beginning at 12 p.m. and continuing throughout the day as needed.
Lehmitz said he asks fans to be respectful and courteous to other fans, as well as to clean up and be respectful of the tailgating area.
“We ask that you don’t bring bottles,” Lehmitz said. “The tailgating area is half gravel and half asphalt, and it’s very difficult for the cleaning crew to clean glass out from in between the rocks in the gravel, and it’s also kind of a safety issue, so we ask that you don’t bring bottles.”
Holden Nelson can be reached at [email protected].