CHANGES COMING TO HOMECOMING TAILGATING

TIMING OF EVENTS

Winthrop’s senior leadership has determined that Homecoming tailgating will be available from 8 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16. Te men’s basketball game will begin at 4 p.m. Te tailgating end time of 3:30 p.m. will allow sufficient time for staff to address any clean up needed in the parking lots and tailgating area before dark. Clearing attendees from the parking lots and tailgating area will begin promptly, and law enforcement will be available to assist event staff in moving attendees into the game or out of the Coliseum area.

PARKING FOR THE GAME/ TAILGATING

For the Homecoming game and tailgating, there will be paid parking, $5 per car, cash only. Tis is similar to how the City of Rock Hill manages parking at the Come-See-Me Festival tailgating/fireworks, and it will help ensure that Winthrop students, alumni and fans will be provided safe, accessible parking near the events. Tis approach also will mean more parking attendants than in the past. Tey will collect the parking fee and direct visitors to parking lots and/or the tailgate area.

LOCATION OF TAILGATING & NEW RESERVATION SYSTEM

Tailgating will be spread out across more of the area surrounding the Coliseum. Te Alumni Association tent will be available as in past years, as well as designated paid tailgating spots for larger student and alumni groups (see options for paid spaces below). While tailgating from vehicles will be allowed in the North and South parking lots (A, B, C, D on p. 11 map), absolutely no tents may be set up in these spaces.

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A tradition that brings together students, alumni and the community, tailgating at Winthrop’s Homecoming is one of the week’s most popular and fun events. Last year’s event attracted the largest number of tailgaters yet and prompted Winthrop’s administration to look at best practices for managing the game day experience. Tis year a number of changes are being implemented for the Saturday, Nov. 16, events at the Coliseum area. Tese changes will lead to a safer and more enjoyable experience for all in attendance. See the following pages for information on event timing, parking, location and other aspects of tailgating that everyone who attends needs to know.

For groups or families wanting to use tents or who may have more elaborate tailgate set ups, there will be a total of 48 designated spots for $20 (for groups up to 20 people) and $40 for even larger groups. Te $40 spaces have the potential for allowing for more people and are located in areas where spillover can be accommodated while not encroaching on space reserved by others. Tis approach will help ensure less crowded conditions and the ability of emergency vehicles to reach all areas where students, alumni and community members will

be gathered.

Note the map on p. 11 to see where the larger paid tailgating spaces will be located. Please note, we encourage anyone wishing to tailgate to purchase their space(s) in advance, as there are a limited number of spaces and they will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis beginning on Sept. 3, 2019. Tose who wait until the day of the event may not have access to the tailgating area if and when all spaces are sold and the lot is full.

MISCELLANEOUS

Tere also will be more port-a-johns and trash receptacles strategically placed throughout the tailgating area for a more enjoyable experience. Tey also are indicated on the map. See the tailgating policy for additional information about conduct, prohibited activities and approved amenities.

Per the tailgating policy, attendees are asked to remove their own trash from tailgating—whether in the parking lots or in the designated tailgating area. If excess trash and/or other items are left in reserved spaces, the individual reserving the space may be fined. After clean up and before leaving the area, time stamp a photo of your reserved spot for your records in case you are charged a fine.

Be sure to come by the Alumni Association tent for your free Homecoming T-shirt designed by Brandon McGinnis ’12 between 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Tere also will be an information tent near the Alumni Association tent where attendees can request assistance relating to parking, tailgating, group or individual behavior, etc.

Emergency medical personnel will be on site for the duration of the game and tailgating.

Please see the tailgating policy in regard to alcohol consumption and prohibited items/activities.

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