New rules face UGA homecoming tailgaters

When alumni and tailgaters gather at the University of Georgia for homecoming Saturday, they'll notice something special on North Campus: lush grass.

This historic section of the Athens campus had been home to such intense partying over the past couple of football seasons that it sullied the area known for columned buildings and towering trees. After one game last September fans dumped more than 70 tons of garbage, leaving mounds of tents, coolers, chairs and a stench that lingered for days.

University officials had enough and instituted new rules that went into effect this season. North Campus tailgating can't begin until four hours before kickoff. Revelers are barred from bringing tents, kegs, generators, grills and other items to the beloved site.

"It looks beautiful again," said Tom Ritch, who graduated from UGA in 1977 and has been tailgating since 1992. "There's grass. That's something I haven't seen there in a couple of years. It's good to see that part of campus respected again."

The new rules maintain the tradition of tailgating while protecting an honored part of campus that is about the size of one city block, university spokesman Tom Jackson said.

The rest of the campus isn't affected by the new rules designed for North Campus. About 100,000 people are expected on campus, officials said.

Tailgating limitations have caused few problems although Jackson said some students have complained because they used the area the most.

Josh Delaney, president of the student body, said students are partying elsewhere. Some are confused by the new rules, he said.

"You can bring a 24-pack of beer but not a keg, but I think some people think all the restrictions don't even make it worth going over there anymore," the senior said. "I hope people will come back and enjoy the area."

Delaney said students aren't happy about the time restrictions on North Campus. It hasn't been an issue so far because the games have started early, but for kick-offs at 7 p.m. people wouldn't be allowed to gather in the area until 3 p.m. Others areas open to tailgaters at 7 a.m.

Jackson said university officials will review the rules at the end of the season and determine if adjustments are needed.

Beyond the new rules for North Campus, early kickoffs have made tailgating less problematic this season, UGA Police Chief Jimmy Williamson said.

"Seasons past we had late games and that left time for a lot of tailgating, but so far all our kickoffs have been before 1," he said. "We're not seeing tailgating like we have before. This season has been a real delight."

Before you go

To reduce damage to North Campus, tailgating can begin only four hours before kickoff. North Campus is the area bounded by Broad, Lumpkin, Baldwin and Jackson streets, including the quadrangle between Broad Street and Old College, the quadrangle between Old College and the Main Library and Herty Field.

Tailgaters can't bring the following items to the area: