The University of Idaho Argonaut

Football season is starting, which means that tailgating is back.
While the Moscow Police Department has always maintained a presence there, this year they plan on placing a greater emphasis on Lot 57. Lot 57 is where the majority of UI students tailgate.

“The MPD and University of Idaho want to promote a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants,” said Lt. Dave Lehmitz of the MPD.
Last year, a student was intoxicated while riding on top of a vehicle and was severely injured after falling off.
Lehmitz and UI want to make sure similar incidents are avoided.

The MPD plans to make sure that underage students aren’t drinking during tailgating.
“If you show up to Lot 57 intoxicated and underage, you will have a high probability of being arrested,” Lehmitz said.
He has spoken with the Interfraternity Council and all resident advisers in the dorms to make sure the word gets out about underage drinking.

“We respect student’s wishes to have a good time before the game starts,” said Garrett Holbrook, ASUI President. “But high risk behavior has no place at UI.”
ASUI and UI support the increased emphasis on Lot 57.

“The law is the law and we can’t ask the MPD to feel differently three hours on Saturday,” Holbrook said. “You reach a point where you’re risking lives and that doesn’t have a place at a tailgate.”

Holbrook said his biggest priority is that people remain safe during tailgating and don’t engage in dangerous behavior.
Lehmitz also stressed that if an MPD officer asks someone to leave during the tailgate, they should or risk being arrested.
Glass bottles and kegs are not allowed in Lot 57. Glass bottles in particular pose a hazard to car tires, Lehmitz said.

Vehicles planning to enter Lot 57 for tailgating this year can’t enter on Perimeter Drive.  To get in, vehicles must go up West Sixth St. onto Stadium Drive. past the Hartung Theatre.

Limited numbers of vehicles are allowed into Lot 57 for tailgating. Anyone who wants to bring their vehicle in must contact the ASUI office to get a permit. Those who want to get in without a car can freely enter on foot.

ASUI also plans on bringing in live music for four of the games. They will have a local band at the first game, Dad’s Weekend in October, Homecoming and the Boise State University game in November.

“It’s only cost effective to have live music at four games,” Holbrook said. “We’re creating something new, so we have to manage our resources. We can’t bring on more people, so we’re asking more of the staff we already have.”
Lot 57 opens at 10 a.m. for tailgating on Saturdays for home games.