University of Idaho doesn’t tailgate anymore — instead, game attendees dry-gate.
Earlier this year, the Idaho State Board of Education voted down a proposal from UI that would allow the university an exception to a statewide policy prohibiting alcohol on campus during tailgates.
The decision comes at an inopportune time for the university. As the athletic department tries to rebuild the football program and change its culture, the SBOE took away an essential part of college football: alcohol.
I’ve never been thrilled that a chunk of the population thinks drinking is essential to a good time. But the fact is, drinking is a cornerstone of college and football culture.
University President Chuck Staben wants Vandal football to be a solid front porch for the university. Part of creating that porch is succeeding in the conference. Joining the Big Sky in 2018 will help reach this goal. Also essential is a positive spectator experience, which starts before the game with tailgating.
With regional rivalries on the horizon, Moscow could see a surge in visitors during game weekends. Eastern Washington, Montana and Montana State are all a reasonable distance away. Portland State fans could also easily make the drive to Idaho for the weekend.
More fans in the area mean more people want to tailgate — and drink while they do.
More ticket sales mean more revenue for the university, which impacts students across campus in every discipline.
Idaho head coach Paul Petrino and his staff are working to create better culture in the football team. Outside of that, creating a positive culture in the fan base is up to people like Staben, the SBOE and the fans. One easy way to create such positive culture is to allow people to have a good time — a good time that can only be had with alcohol.
I would understand the SBOE’s decision better if there were a need to ban alcohol, like safety.
However, the Moscow Police Department told the Argonaut alcohol at tailgating has not been a problem in recent years.
Some who support the SBOE’s decision pointed out that tailgating should be family friendly. They believe that eliminating alcohol will provide a safer environment for kids.
But here’s the issue — it’s a college football game, played by college students, spectated by college students. College students are adults. College students can drink.
It’s safe to say that a college football game is not always going to be family friendly. Parents should be aware of that before attending a tailgate.
The real issue is that the SBOE’s decision is based on morals, not based on an actual need to ban alcohol. Morality is a great reason to make rules in a private setting, like church or at home. It’s not an acceptable reason to limit behaviors in a public setting where safety isn’t a concern.
Maybe a dip in Homecoming game attendance will show the SBOE the decision to ban alcohol unfairly hurts UI.
Tess Fox
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