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Tailgating Policy


Tailgating Policy

It is the purpose of this policy to provide responsible tailgating for individuals attending events on university property in the NMU Sports and Recreation Complex. Tailgating is intended to complement the event enjoyment of all fans by providing appositive social gathering area prior to and at the completion of events.

NMU faculty/staff, students and also all individuals not associated with the university (general public attending events).

It is the policy of Northern Michigan University to allow NMU faculty/staff, students and also all individuals not associated with the university to tailgate in designated university areas when all conditions are met of the existing university procedures and guidelines.

***REMINDER: It is risky to serve alcoholic beverages to anyone other than yourself and your immediate party. Michigan law requires a license before a person can sell, trade or give away alcoholic beverages. A violation of this law is a felony. A social host does not need a license to serve his/her invited guests who fall within the usual understanding of friends and personal visitors. A social host may be legally and civilly liable to guests and others for injuries resulting from serving alcohol, especially to a minor. Northern Michigan University does not condone illegal or irresponsible use of alcohol.


  1. Tailgating is permitted from three hours prior to event start time for one hour following the completion of the event.
  2. Tailgating is not permitted during the event.
  3. Tailgating is permitted anywhere in the NMU Sports Complex area, but tailgating with alcohol is only permitted in the following designated areas: Parking lots 55 and 58.  (See campus map) Alcohol is not permitted outside the designated area.
  4. Parking spaces/vehicles will park as they arrive on a first-come, first-served basis and spaces will not be reserved.
  5. Pop-up tents, 10" X 10" or smaller, are permitted behind your vehicles. Large stand-alone tents for university departments/programs require proper university authorization prior to setup.
  6. Michigan law pertaining to the possession, consumption and distribution of alcohol and controlled substances will be enforced. Tailgaters must carry identification for random checks by Public Safety.
  7. Kegs, drinking games and devices, glass containers or mass common alcohol containers are prohibited.
  8. Tailgaters must clean up their trash and respect the fans around you.
  9. Only those caterers approved by NMU Conference and Catering are permitted to provide game-day catering for public consumption or sale.
  10. Tailgaters are permitted to bring food purchased off-site or brought from home to enjoy for their personal use while tailgating in designated areas.
  11. Open flame fires, including fire pits, are prohibited. Propane and charcoal grills are permitted.
  12. Restroom facilities are available in the Superior Dome and Berry Events Center two hours prior to the game. Event tickets are required for entry into these facilities.
  13. Pets are not allowed during tailgating hours in designated tailgating areas.
  14. Violation of any tailgating regulations may result in the immediate termination of tailgating privileges or criminal prosecution or other disciplinary action if the violator is an NMU student.

***REMINDER: It is risky to serve alcoholic beverages to anyone other than yourself and your immediate party. Michigan law requires a license before a person can sell, trade or give away alcoholic beverages. A violation of this law is a felony. A social host does not need a license to serve his/her invited guests who fall within the usual understanding of friends and personal visitors. A social host may be legally and civilly liable to guests and others for injuries resulting from serving alcohol, especially to a minor. Northern Michigan University does not condone illegal or irresponsible use of alcohol.

Date Approved:9-10-2008
Last Revision:9-10-2008
Last Reviewed:9-10-2008
Approved By:President
Oversight Unit:NMU POLICE DEPARTMENT