Tailgating allowed at Cal Poly

Saturday marked a big moment in history for Mustang football fans as the university opened up the H-1 parking lot for tailgating at the price of $20 per vehicle.

“To my knowledge, this is the first organized tailgater that Cal Poly has had,” said Brian Thurmond, Cal Poly’s sports information director.

The H-1 parking lot, which provides more than 350 parking spaces, is located off of Mt. Bishop Road, off of Highland Drive and northwest of the stadium. Approximately 15 spaces were filled for Saturday’s tailgater before the game against Weber State, which Cal Poly won 47-19.

Chris Baker, assistant athletic director for advancement at Cal Poly, said he was pleased with the turnout “considering the short time frame in terms of notifying people.”

“People were glad to see us moving in that direction,” he said. “It’s common practice on most campuses.”

Though Baker said primarily community members attended Saturday’s tailgater, students and alumni are welcome at the event. The tailgating will continue at the next four home football games and begins three hours before kickoff. Tailgating is not, however, allowed after kickoff, during halftime or after the game.

Additionally, there are certain rules in order regarding grills. While charcoal grills are prohibited, small gas grills are acceptable.

“They only allow little camping grills . so you can only do one hamburger at a time and they charge you $20 for it,” business senior Chris Boucher said.

Despite the fact that the campus remains alcohol-free, the administration approved the consumption of alcohol in the H-1 parking lot during tailgating.

“It’s understood that that’s a part of tailgating,” said Shaun Russell of Cal Poly’s athletic department. “It’s a controlled area; only individuals who are 21-plus (can be there).”

Event staff and university police will be present at all tailgaters, but kegs and glass bottles or containers are restricted.

Boucher believes the idea is a “step in the right direction,” but is reluctant because of the price.

“I might give it a try, but probably not because it’s $20,” he said.

The $20 fee covers a $6 event parking fee and the rest goes toward the added cost for the event, such as the event crew, cleaning up the area and more, Baker said.

“It’s great for the fans who want to make a day out of Cal Poly football,” Russell said.