fter a two-year hiatus, alcohol is now permitted at University of Idaho tailgating events following a 3-2 vote by the Idaho State Board of Education in June.
A policy change was approved last October that authorized alcohol use at NCAA athletic events on university campuses under specific circumstances, if granted prior approval by the state board, prompting UI officials to apply.
UI Director of Communications Jodi Walker said the university received a lot of feedback from Vandal fans who wanted alcohol reinstated at tailgating events.
“Tailgating is not synonymous with drinking alcohol,” she said. “(But) it was something that was important to fans … and this gives us the opportunity to provide them with a safe place to do so.”
Walker said alcohol is allowed in parking lots 34, 57, 57E and 110 near the west side of the Kibbie Dome during all 2018 home football matchups. The permit also applies to the scrimmage in spring.
Moscow Police officers will patrol the area each game and look for excessive or underage drinking, as well as other potential safety issues or criminal activity, said Moscow Police Chief James Fry.
“We just want people to come out and be able to have a good time,” Fry said. “We understand people enjoy having a barbeque and having a drink while at a game, and most are fairly responsible.”
Despite the state board’s decision, alcohol was seemingly permitted — in some capacity — by a city ordinance allowing open containers during home football games, “between the hours of 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. in any place located within Sixth Street to the north, South Rayburn to the east and south, and Perimeter Drive to the west and south.”
But the 2017 regulation did not extend to university property, Walker said. The state board’s decision rectifies that issue, “bringing policy in line with actuality.”
“This doesn’t really change things for us,” Fry said. “We’re going to patrol the areas, look out for excessive drinking and make sure people are being safe — like we always do.”
ASUI President Nicole Skinner said she believes the state board’s decision acts in the best interests of students and alumni.
She said the ban had adverse effects and rather than limiting alcohol usage, it instead increased it and fostered unhealthy drinking habits.
“Alcohol was still present at games before the SBOE’s decision,” Skinner said. “But our students can now drink at their own leisure again without fearing repercussions.”
Skinner thinks the permit has the potential to create a much safer environment because “students will feel less inclined to binge drink to remain intoxicated through the game” or drink at an off-campus location.
During her tenure, Skinner hopes to partner with Vandal Athletics and the UI Office of Alumni Relations to reinvent the game-day experience, making it more community centered.
“Tailgating is so much more than the beverage in your cup,” Skinner said. “It’s about Vandals coming together to support our athletes and connect with one another.”
UI officials will have to submit a postseason report to the state board in order for the permit to be renewed an additional year.
Students found in violation of the student conduct code or state law are subject to disciplinary action, including loss of parking or ticket privileges and dismissal from university premises.
Olivia Heersink can be reached at [email protected]