Tailgate Guidelines

The UT Dallas Tailgating Program is an opportunity for faculty, staff, students, fans, and community members to come together and foster a sense of belonging while supporting athletic teams. Tailgates are for personal entertainment and non-commercial purposes. We strive to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for all attendees. As such, tailgate activities should be mindful of the campus surroundings. All who participate in tailgates are expected to conduct themselves responsibly and respectfully at all times. UT Dallas may revoke the tailgating privileges of those who do not comply with the laws, rules, and regulations of the State of Texas, the University of Texas System Board of Regents, and UT Dallas. All students are held responsible for the rules outlined in UTDSP5003 – Student Code of Conduct at all times.

Tailgating General Guidelines

• Tailgating will only be allowed during the designated hours (to be determined before each tailgating event). Setup will not be permitted before the official start of the tailgate hours, and each setup must be removed by the end of the tailgate hours.
• Unless an exception is made by the Dean of Students, due to limited weekday parking, tailgate activities may only occur in support of weekend events (Friday, Saturday, Sunday).
• Tailgating may only occur if a university department sponsors the event. The Dean of Students or designee (Dean of Students) may approve exceptions.
• Restrictions may be placed on personal vehicles in the designated tailgate area.
• Canopies may be set up for tailgating, but must be secured with anchor weights. Stakes may not be used to anchor any canopies or awnings, nor may they be chained to landscaping or signs.
• Other than registered service animals, no pets will be permitted.
• UT Dallas is a Tobacco-Free Campus. The use of all tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco and vaping, is strictly prohibited at all times.
• Lot U and Lot J are the only areas where tailgating will be permitted. The department sponsoring the tailgating event will have to secure permission for the space ahead of the event. The Dean of Students may approve exceptions.
• Tailgates may only be conducted in association with NCAA home athletic contests. The Dean of Students may approve exceptions.
• Departments sponsoring the tailgating event will need to register the event using the SERA form.

Food and Beverages

• Glass bottles are prohibited. Beverages must be consumed only in plastic or paper cups in the designated tailgate area.
  • Tailgaters must dispose of trash using the existing trash/recycling units provided by UT Dallas. Violators of this requirement will be banned from future tailgating events.
• There are no large containers or community/common drink dispensers. Devices or activities designed to increase beverage consumption are prohibited.
  • Lawn games are permitted; “drinking games” are not.
• Tailgaters may bring food items to the designated tailgate area.
• Unless UT Dallas is under a mandatory burn ban, charcoal, wood, and propane grills are permitted. Deep fryers, fires built on the ground or in open fire pits are prohibited.
  • Any group using grills or other cooking apparatuses must have a fire extinguisher and someone knowledgeable in its operation.
  • Strictly Prohibited Dumping of hot coals in the tailgate area, grass areas, parking lots, drains, or standard trash cans is strictly prohibited.
• Connecting to UT Dallas utilities and television or communication cable services is prohibited.
• Only portable radio/stereo units are permitted. The volume and language in all audio recordings must be appropriate for all ages.
• Platforms, stages, and enclosed tents are not permitted.
• Unless a special exception is made, the sale of items in the tailgating area is prohibited.
• Fireworks, firearms, and weapons are prohibited.
• Use of portable generators must be approved by the unit hosting the tailgate.
• Any items left past the end of tailgating hours will be discarded. If lost personal items are found, they will be relocated to the UTD Police Department.
• UTDSP5001 – Speech Expression and Assembly Policy rules apply to every attendee regardless of affiliation. Anyone violating these rules will be immediately removed from the tailgating area and potentially from campus.

Greek Chapters and Student Organizations

• Participating organizations must be in good standing with the Office of Community Standards and Conduct, the Dean of Students Office, the Student Organization Center, and the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. Greek Chapters and student Organizations must register for space at a tailgating event.
• A Greek chapter or student organization wishing to reserve a space at a tailgate must have successfully attended the Annual State-Mandated Risk Management Training.
• Each group must have a ‘Tailgate Captain’. The Tailgate Captain’s requirements include:
  • Must attend the tailgating workshop.
  • May not drink alcohol during the tailgate event.
  • Must wear the designated vest and name tag during the event.
  • Must check IDs of each participant and require students over 21 years of age to wear a wristband.
  • Ensure compliance with these guidelines. Immediately notify University personnel of any non-compliance.
  • Communicate event details and guidelines to attendees.
  • Oversee the safety and well-being of attendees. Notify university personnel of any concerns.
  • Manage waste cleanup and proper disposal.

Enforcement

• Students found violating UTDSP5003 – Student Code of Conduct or UTDSP5001 – Speech Expression and Assembly will be referred to the Office of Community Standards and Conduct.
• At their discretion, University personnel and the UT Dallas Police may terminate a tailgate. Additionally, University personnel and the UT Dallas Police may take appropriate action toward an individual, group, or student organization/Greek Chapter whose conduct violates or conflicts with laws, rules, and regulations of the State of Texas, the University of Texas System Board of Regents, and/or UT Dallas.
• University personnel and the UTD Police reserve the right to refuse service or evict anyone at any time. Inappropriate behavior will result in the permanent loss of tailgating privileges.
• Unauthorized vehicles will be towed or relocated at the owner or operator’s expense.