Tailgating

[thumper_76]

Re: Tailgating

I don't like the class warfare accusation. We know the problem was the amoeba: the mass of students having a great time but also clogging up the backyard and prone to erupt with things like beer tossing etc. Trying to get the students a place they like is a great idea. I was there when the beers were in the air and I suppose I have some developmental problems because I was laughing (while I was trotting to get out of the way). But there's a better place for that when many others in the backyard prefer not to deal with ducking full and half-full beer cans flying through the air or having difficulty walking through the mass of people. Really doesn't have anything to do with "peasants" or "$ donors". (thumper76 -- I hope you weren't serious about playing that old saw 'peasants v. $ donors' -- if you want to see how productive those discussions are, visit the USD message board and see how one poster in particular, usually claiming to be a "regular person" or something like that, pits all "us regular people" v. "you rich guys" in a nonsensical 'debate' about ticket prices. Not a productive discussion and I feel a little sorry for the USD fans who have to somehow tolerate that crap.)

Ok peasants wasn't the right term to use, it was too strong, and I completely understand the reason they have to do extra precautions because beer can flying isn't a good thing in any situation, and I can understand that. Something had to be done. There's a reason that stadiums have student sections delegate from the rest of the seats. There certainly should be an attempt to keep them as a whole where nobody has to be worried about their antics are too much for the average family.

However, the premise of what I'm saying isn't wrong. There is a fine line between exclusivity and keeping things under control. That will all hinge on how it's enforced. When we need to grow the fan base for a bigger stadium I don't see how turning people away from the tailgate lot will be really welcoming. Obviously it does rub some people the wrong way, see RabbitObservers post.

[Theee Catrabbit]

Re: Tailgating

I don't like the class warfare accusation. We know the problem was the amoeba: the mass of students having a great time but also clogging up the backyard and prone to erupt with things like beer tossing etc. Trying to get the students a place they like is a great idea. I was there when the beers were in the air and I suppose I have some developmental problems because I was laughing (while I was trotting to get out of the way). But there's a better place for that when many others in the backyard prefer not to deal with ducking full and half-full beer cans flying through the air or having difficulty walking through the mass of people. Really doesn't have anything to do with "peasants" or "$ donors". (thumper76 -- I hope you weren't serious about playing that old saw 'peasants v. $ donors' -- if you want to see how productive those discussions are, visit the USD message board and see how one poster in particular, usually claiming to be a "regular person" or something like that, pits all "us regular people" v. "you rich guys" in a nonsensical 'debate' about ticket prices. Not a productive discussion and I feel a little sorry for the USD fans who have to somehow tolerate that crap.)

I have to agree with Thumper76, I do feel they are trying to get rid of the little guys who are there as a group. There still is no real reason to have done what they did, and I have not heard one, when I questioned Administration. Basically I feel my ass is full of smoke, and that can give you ass cancer. Instead these spots will go to single paying businesses and donors eventually as mulit-people lots don't want to pay for the opportunity to stand when they used to be able to park.

And if you don't like the accusation, that is your right, as is ours to say this is admin trying to squeeze out everything they can, get rid of the low paying and reset prices for coroporations and donors.

[RabbitObsessed]

Re: Tailgating

It absolutely is a money/class thing. Students and young alumni were specifically mentioned. Like Thumper said, I get it. Money talks. But to say it's not a class/money thing is absolutely disingenuous and pure bull****. It ****ing sucks that we can't even walk through those tailgate areas just to be in the atmosphere. Like I said, I'll be less likely to tailgate.

[jackmd]

Re: Tailgating

Help me understand how fewer student's tailgating has any negative impact on anyone?

[TK22867]

Re: Tailgating

Basically I feel my ass is full of smoke, and that can give you ass cancer.

Have you contacted JackMD about this condition?

[thumper_76]

Re: Tailgating

Help me understand how fewer student's tailgating has any negative impact on anyone?

It's not the students. Like I said its how they restrict entrance to the backyard. I highly doubt they can say no students allowed, because I'm sure some students have parents who will be back there (or at least the possibility is there, and these rules are in place to keep the people in there happy). So they will have the rule that has already been shared about needing to know someone who has a lot in order to enter. Well I know myself and apparently others liked to go to the lots and wander until you met someone you know to hang out with. That community type atmosphere is what tailgating is all about, and if you decide to be strict about the rules in place (which we know UPD is prone to do) you are really going to hurt that IMO.

Also, I agree with The Catrabbit. The one vehicle rule really stands out to me as a subtle way to try to turn the Backyard into the corporate donor lot. How many tailgate groups only have one vehicle? That works for the corporate set ups because they set it up for their people attending, while you average joe is going to have groups of people bring their stuff in to set up. It will make the take down really inconvenient for those people. If it's big enough of a turn off you're going to get those people to say screw it and go somewhere else opening up lots, which allows the athletic department to use the reputation of the Backyard that has been developed by the very people that this was done to. In the end it's better to have people decide to tailgate elsewhere because they didn't like new rules instead of outright kicking them out. It's a bit of a tinfoil hat like, but again, we'll see how things are enforced and what the atmosphere is like.

I highly doubt they go light handed on the enforcement in an effort to keep things perfect with no incidents while they are trying to show off the new stadium trying to court some more big time donors. It is what it is. Personally as a young guy looking at maybe getting season tickets and tailgating in a year or two, this doesn't come off as something that is going to enhance the experience. The whole situation last year has really screwed things up.

[Jacks#1Fan]

Re: Tailgating

I'm not going to get into this ****ing contest regarding who goes where, and when, and why. And what little information I have (or care about) may be wrong. But if I understood him right, Justin Sell told m there is nothing to "the one car per tailgate spot" claim. He said they don't have a problem with multiple cars in a tailgate spot, but all cars must be in spot a certain time (wish I could remember the time frame) as they are going to stop cars entering (driving in and through) the tailgate area at a set time, because they don't want cars moving through while people are walking around the tailgate area. I certainly didn't get any hint of the AD wanting to make tailgating less attractive. IMHO waiting until the first few games have become history would be a good idea preceding calls for changes, problems, etc.

One more small point. It may be little guy vs $donor to some, but the first-class stadium would not be around, if it was not for a lot of individuals, companies and corporations who invested a lot of money to provide SDSU with the facilities we have in the SJAC and Dykehouse. I'm personally grateful to them, and if I have to walk and extra 50 yards to park (and yes, I'll be in that group), it sure doesn't seem like a huge sacrifice.

[RabbitObsessed]

Re: Tailgating

It's not the students. Like I said its how they restrict entrance to the backyard. I highly doubt they can say no students allowed, because I'm sure some students have parents who will be back there (or at least the possibility is there, and these rules are in place to keep the people in there happy). So they will have the rule that has already been shared about needing to know someone who has a lot in order to enter. Well I know myself and apparently others liked to go to the lots and wander until you met someone you know to hang out with. That community type atmosphere is what tailgating is all about, and if you decide to be strict about the rules in place (which we know UPD is prone to do) you are really going to hurt that IMO.

Yep. This is absolutely it. Loved wandering the backyard up and down the road, having a beer, getting invited into tailgate spots, etc.

[WestSideRabbit]

Re: Tailgating

It absolutely is a money/class thing. Students and young alumni were specifically mentioned. Like Thumper said, I get it. Money talks. But to say it's not a class/money thing is absolutely disingenuous and pure bull****. It ****ing sucks that we can't even walk through those tailgate areas just to be in the atmosphere. Like I said, I'll be less likely to tailgate.

RabbitObsessed, I don't know you, but you are always welcome at my tailgating spot. If questioned, tell them you are just going to the Still Hares.

[thumper_76]

Tailgating

I'm not going to get into this ****ing contest regarding who goes where, and when, and why. And what little information I have (or care about) may be wrong. But if I understood him right, Justin Sell told m there is nothing to "the one car per tailgate spot" claim. He said they don't have a problem with multiple cars in a tailgate spot, but all cars must be in spot a certain time (wish I could remember the time frame) as they are going to stop cars entering (driving in and through) the tailgate area at a set time, because they don't want cars moving through while people are walking around the tailgate area. I certainly didn't get any hint of the AD wanting to make tailgating less attractive. IMHO waiting until the first few games have become history would be a good idea preceding calls for changes, problems, etc.

One more small point. It may be little guy vs $donor to some, but the first-class stadium would not be around, if it was not for a lot of individuals, companies and corporations who invested a lot of money to provide SDSU with the facilities we have in the SJAC and Dykehouse. I'm personally grateful to them, and if I have to walk and extra 50 yards to park (and yes, I'll be in that group), it sure doesn't seem like a huge sacrifice.

Well the one car per spot claim came direct from rules that were posted on here, if I remember correctly. I 100% agree with waiting till the first game is done with before we start being upset. I'm pretty sure I've said several times we'll see how they enforce it. Personally, if it were me, I would go about my tailgating as I normally did and see if I'm forced to change anything.

To look at the other side of the doom and gloom strict enforcement I was posting about, I think the spirit of the new rules just allows UPD to stop what happened last year before it starts. They had no rules that they could enforce to disperse the mob of students before they got out of control and throwing beer cans around. Now they do. I'm hoping that's the case. I think the biggest problem causing this whole argument is whether you are arguing against the letter of the law or the spirit of it. It's really going to hinge on how it's enforced. We probably should wait till after the first game but when it's a subject that many people are passionate about and enjoy as much as they do tailgating, especially adding the excitement of the new stadium. you aren't going to get many people who wait and see.

[Nidaros]

Re: Tailgating

Have you contacted JackMD about this condition?

Yankton is a long drive. Besides Jackmd is a pulmonary specialist.

[JackJD]

Re: Tailgating

...To look at the other side of the doom and gloom strict enforcement I was posting about, I think the spirit of the new rules just allows UPD to stop what happened last year before it starts. They had no rules that they could enforce to disperse the mob of students before they got out of control and throwing beer cans around. Now they do. I'm hoping that's the case. I think the biggest problem causing this whole argument is whether you are arguing against the letter of the law or the spirit of it. It's really going to hinge on how it's enforced. We probably should wait till after the first game but when it's a subject that many people are passionate about and enjoy as much as they do tailgating, especially adding the excitement of the new stadium. you aren't going to get many people who wait and see.

This says what I'm thinking (hoping?). They needed rules in place and can now fine tune them. Thumper76 also wrote: Well I know myself and apparently others liked to go to the lots and wander until you met someone you know to hang out with. That community type atmosphere is what tailgating is all about, That is exactly what I did every game: take a walk around the backyard with no particular plan. I will attempt to do that this season too.

Everyone keep in mind TheeCatRabbit's broad invite to his tailgate spot.

With the backyard's limited size, I think other parking areas will have evolving tailgating practices as the fan base increases. I'll bet the average attendance this season will be at least 15,000 -- if my bet plays out, that's a lot of people looking for a place to tailgate. There already are groups of fans who attend every game and have a great tailgate without venturing into the backyard.

On the subject of peasants v $$ donors, I'll stand by my position: I don't think that has any valid connection with the discussion.* Working out reasonable tailgating practices is necessary for everyone's benefit. I think the only separation under consideration is providing (and trying to enforce) the higher-energy students with a great place to hang out that doesn't clash with where non-students hang out. I think our administration has enough sense to know that today's students are tomorrow's ticket-buyers.

*Insert Jacks#1Fan comments -- thanks to the $$ donors. Where would we be without that support?

[jacksfaninne]

Re: Tailgating

I look at it this way -- Now that all of the parking lots are opened up to tailgating, everyone is welcome. Anyone can pull in, find a parking spot, pull out the chairs, coolers, grills or whatever and enjoy the experience. The Backyard is where you can reserve a spot (for the entire season or for a single game, based on availability) if you want a consistent, known space to tailgate. That could be families and friends or groups of friends (in our case) who want to tailgate together every game, or it could be organizations or businesses looking to entertain customers, clients or constituents. The more-controlled entry and tighter rules for all tailgating simply gives the university the legs it may or may not need for crowd management. I think we'll be OK.

[jackmd]

Re: Tailgating

Yep. This is absolutely it. Loved wandering the backyard up and down the road, having a beer, getting invited into tailgate spots, etc.

You and Thumper and everyone else are on the forum are always welcome at the Yankton site. You start throwing full beer cans around we are going to have a problem though. Last year our location and several others were overcome by a mob of intoxicated and violent idiots. That can't happen ever again.

Not only did It happen once, it happened twice and we had personal property damaged in each instance. It could have been much worse and if something had not been done I am certain it would have been worse.

[Nidaros]

Re: Tailgating

One more small point. It may be little guy vs $donor to some, but the first-class stadium would not be around, if it was not for a lot of individuals, companies and corporations who invested a lot of money to provide SDSU with the facilities we have in the SJAC and Dykehouse. I'm personally grateful to them, and if I have to walk and extra 50 yards to park (and yes, I'll be in that group), it sure doesn't seem like a huge sacrifice.

This point here can not be echoed enough. I lived through the building of two facilities. The Stadium for State Campaign was as nobel and forthright as could be, but they were faced with unbelievable resistance. Many of you were not born when this drive took place. This drive had lofty goals, but fell very short.

Brookings back then was not what it is today, no industrial base whatsoever. Main street was where the economic power was. The idea of new stadium was more Ohio State then South Dakota State some said. The student body voted down three times an assessment that would have permanent seating on the east side and permanent restroom facilities. No porta potties.

This was the first time that alumni were asked to contribute towards anything. My older brother was very turned off with the concept of multi year pledges, but had offered a small one time gift, to which he was told no thanks. So countless errors were made along the way, but they learned from this experience and perhaps that might explain the massive cooperation and absence of resistance this time around. The attitude towards this endevor was completely different. We are about embark on a completely new era, thanks to those mentioned by Jack#1.

There was no foundation to speak of, and since that time it has become a major focal point at SDSU mainly because legislative support for campus facilities has all but disappeared.

I can understand this class warfare, for lack of a better term, to a degree. I recall during my student days attending football games and there was no tailgating, and the concept of such was totally unheard of, the PA announcer announcing that Alumni were invited to coffee and donuts at the Union Building after the game. At the time, I thought "Why would I mess with that when I could go down town and tip a few?" Several decades later I feel very different toward the Alumni Association, and I suspect those who now see a division will see it differently as you grow in your career in life. Its about growing up, that simple.