Letter to the Editor
Re: Tailgating changes
J. Dwaine Roche
Issue date: 9/18/09 Section: Opinion
My name is Dwaine Roche and as associate director of athletics here at Western, I was the chairman of the Tailgate Committee that formulated the new Guidelines and Procedures. I am responding to the Sept. 16, 2009 article in the Courier that was written by Adam Brown regarding tailgating at Leatherneck football games and the changes that have been implemented for this 2009 season. This diverse committee was made up of students, faculty, staff, donors and community members.
First of all please know that we are not charging for tailgating spots to make money. Most schools charge for parking at athletic events and we have never done that at WIU. We are charging a nominal fee that will help us offset some of the costs that are associated with hosting a pregame tailgate event. Lot preparation, signage, parking attendants, police security, Concert Safety Corps and clean up are all costs that we incur each home game. Our men's and women's tennis teams handle tailgating and any profit that is made goes to support their program. This nominal fee is not just for students, it is a fee for everyone that desires to tailgate prior to home games. The fee is $15 and 20 people are allowed for each permit. That comes to $.75 per person. A nominal fee to say the least!
The charge given the committee by Vice President Garry Johnson was to enhance the tailgating experience here at Western, to make tailgating available to more people, and to make tailgating a fun and safe experience. We saw some problems that needed to be corrected and we feel that we now have a plan in place that will ensure safety and enjoyment for all of our fans. We were very concerned about the excessive and sometimes mindless drinking that was taking place, so we were trying to work towards a more traditional and conventional form of tailgating that you see at other universities across the country.
Part of the change involves a "Tailgate & Alcohol Permit" which is not unique to WIU. We designed our "Permit" from those used at other universities. With this permit there will now be a responsible party for each tailgate spot. I think all fans will now be more responsible and respectful of other tailgaters. Again, the nominal fee was only to offset some of our expense. We have also felt the effects of these difficult times and are trying to keep our costs down.
First of all please know that we are not charging for tailgating spots to make money. Most schools charge for parking at athletic events and we have never done that at WIU. We are charging a nominal fee that will help us offset some of the costs that are associated with hosting a pregame tailgate event. Lot preparation, signage, parking attendants, police security, Concert Safety Corps and clean up are all costs that we incur each home game. Our men's and women's tennis teams handle tailgating and any profit that is made goes to support their program. This nominal fee is not just for students, it is a fee for everyone that desires to tailgate prior to home games. The fee is $15 and 20 people are allowed for each permit. That comes to $.75 per person. A nominal fee to say the least!
The charge given the committee by Vice President Garry Johnson was to enhance the tailgating experience here at Western, to make tailgating available to more people, and to make tailgating a fun and safe experience. We saw some problems that needed to be corrected and we feel that we now have a plan in place that will ensure safety and enjoyment for all of our fans. We were very concerned about the excessive and sometimes mindless drinking that was taking place, so we were trying to work towards a more traditional and conventional form of tailgating that you see at other universities across the country.
Part of the change involves a "Tailgate & Alcohol Permit" which is not unique to WIU. We designed our "Permit" from those used at other universities. With this permit there will now be a responsible party for each tailgate spot. I think all fans will now be more responsible and respectful of other tailgaters. Again, the nominal fee was only to offset some of our expense. We have also felt the effects of these difficult times and are trying to keep our costs down.
Viewing Comments 1 - 6 of 8
'Necks Fan
posted 9/18/09 @ 12:38 PM CST
So the University is finally admitting that making The Pit the primary tailgating area was a big mistake.
We knew that years ago. The Pit was way too confining to accomodate all of the people. (Continued…)
Ryan
posted 9/19/09 @ 12:59 AM CST
People really need to stop complaining about parking. Do you realize that some parking spots at schools such as Penn State, Ohio State or Michigan can cost up to $40 on a game day?
Also, while schools such as Northern use other areas for tailgating, there isn't necessarily that type of room here. (Continued…)
Zach
posted 9/20/09 @ 7:10 PM CST
Mr Roche:
I can appreciate and understand your perspective for tailgating. However, you are completely missing the boat on the issue. You are making it more difficult for students (AND ALUMNI!) to have fun at tailgate, which in turn is going to drive down attendance at tailgate and games. (Continued…)
wspremium
posted 9/20/09 @ 10:55 PM CST
Thanks for sharing the useful information that brings me some fresh feelings with addtional insights into today's world.
Air Jordan
Go_Necks
posted 9/21/09 @ 12:44 PM CST
Assistant Athletic Director Dwaine Roche was the Chairman of the Tailgating Committee.
E-mail him and let him know what you thought about Saturday's tailgating. (Continued…)
HGH
posted 12/26/09 @ 3:37 PM CST
Looks good!
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