Tailgate to end before kick-off

All tailgaters must vacate the Hoosier Village 10 minutes before today’s 8 p.m. kick-off, according to an IU Alumni Association press release.

Hoosier Village, a tailgating area run by the IUAA, was expanded recently to include three grassy fields west of the DeVault Alumni Center between 15th and 17th streets. The area previously enclosed only the first field west of the Alumni Center.

Before today’s football game, attendees at the Hoosier Village tailgate will be informed by the “Hoosier Hostess” when the area will close down. The IUAA’s “Fan Walk to the Rock” will leave 20 minutes prior to the game.

Ten minutes after the walk to Memorial Stadium, a hired security firm will break down the area.

The security firm will also inform tailgaters of the rules throughout the pregame event. The firm will report to the IU Police Department, who will also deal with anyone leaving the fields.

Tailgaters may leave their cars in Hoosier Village, but all individuals must vacate the area while the game is being played.

In March 2009, a 25-person panel met to discuss how to eliminate underage drinking and public drunkenness, ensure public safety and drive tailgate participants into Memorial Stadium. The panel was comprised of faculty, students, law enforcement, alumni and University community representatives.

“I fully support what has happened,” said Colin Nabity, president of the Interfraternity Council, who also served on the panel.

However, Nabity said the changes weren’t as timely as he would have liked after only being informed Tuesday along with other greek house executives.

“Given two days notice, with everything else the athletic department has going on, it’s not going to run smoothly,” he said.

Issac Ivery, a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity, believes that a mass exit may cause more harm than good for those who chose not to attend the game.

“It’s going to make some people feel like they need to drive under the influence,” he said. “Not everyone lives within walking distance from the stadium.”

The athletics department decided to support the expansion of the Hoosier Village.   

“I just think that we want to be active and integrate ourselves with different
University communities,” said J.D. Campbell, assistant athletic director for media
relations.  

The athletics department will sell game tickets inside the Hoosier Village with the hopes of packing the newly renovated football stadium.

Everyone can purchase a general admission ticket for $5 on the day of the game.

“Anything we can do to support our football team on game day is always going to be our goal,” Campbell said.

The IUAA will attempt to use the expansion as a way to draw in a different demographic.

“It had been mostly alumni and friends of the University,” said John Hobson, senior vice president of IUAA. “We are adding a lot of things to the Village, and we hope that it can draw bigger crowds.”

Preferred designated parking is only available for student organizations and other
groups that have the ability to purchase group game tickets.

However, the $15 parking spaces within Hoosier Village will still be available to students, alumni and Bloomington residents.

Prior to the expansion, spots were first come, first serve.

“I don’t think that anyone is trying to destroy the party atmosphere,” said Hobson. “I don’t think that is the intent at all.”

Today’s game will begin at 8 p.m., meaning anyone tailgating will be forced to exit the fields by 7:50 p.m.