DePauw University

As a fan coming to enjoy a DePauw athletics event, the tailgating guidelines identified below are designed to enhance your safety and ensure that tailgating remains a part of the DePauw University game day experience.  Exceptions to this policy may be made for special events including, but not limited to, Family Weekend, Old Gold weekend, Monon Bell and NCAA playoff games. 

General questions or questions about tailgating can be directed to Melynda Link, Assistant Athletic Director for Athletics Facilities and Athletics Events, melyndalink@depauw.edu or (765) 658-4012.

Tailgating Map

Tailgating Lot Locations and Restrictions

• Tailgating must occur only in designated tailgating areas (i.e. Blackstock Parking Lot) on weekends, holidays and during break periods. Outside of special events, tailgating is not permitted in any other University lot.
• Alumni and parent groups may host tailgating events with alcohol in conjunction with any home athletic events on weekends, holidays and during break periods in the prescribed lots only. 
• Student groups may only register tailgating events involving alcohol in conjunction with home football games.  Student organizations interested in hosting a tailgating event can register online through Campus Labs. All registrations will be reviewed by the Events Registration Team.
• Please do not block emergency vehicle access to any part of any parking lot; all established tailgating structures (tents, tables, etc.) should be located within the confines of marked parking spaces. DePauw Police and athletics staff may ask you to move your vehicle/tailgate if it is impeding on the emergency access.
• RVs and similar large vehicles may not park overnight in any DePauw parking lot.  RVs and similar large vehicles should contact Melynda Link (melyndalink@depauw.edu or (765) 658-4012) for parking and registration at least 24 hours in advance. DePauw Police reserves the right to deny entry in DePauw tailgating lots to any RV and similar large vehicles for safety reasons.
• Parking lots will open and tailgating may begin at 8 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays in any University owned parking lot designated for tailgating (i.e. Blackstock Parking Lot).  All parking spots are first-come, first-serve.
• Do not remove or move any barricades, crowd control gates, or other traffic control devices. All signs and instructions for parking lots must be obeyed.
• Public consumption of alcoholic beverages on any other part of the campus or on public streets that run through or adjacent to campus is prohibited and subject to policy/law enforcement.  There will be no alcohol or open beverage containers inside the athletics venues, regardless of whether or not an event is taking place.

Safety and Game Day Environment

• No glass bottles, kegs, common source containers or large source containers. There is no hard liquor 15% ABV and above allowed. Alcoholic beverages are restricted to single serving containers in cans or plastic bottles.
• Drinking games (including, but not limited to beer pong and other table games) and the use of devices intended to accelerate the consumption of alcohol (including, but not limited to funnels or beer bongs) are prohibited.
• Tailgating activities should cease at game time to ensure that DePauw Police, DePauw Public Safety and University officials can focus their attention inside the competition venue. Tailgating activities can resume at halftime, but fans should return to the competition venue for the second half or depart the venue/parking lot.  Individuals who are belligerent and do not follow the directives of University officials will be asked to leave. There may be a no re-entry policy in place for ticketed (i.e. Monon Bell and NCAC/NCAA playoff competition). Refer to specific game day information for ticketed events. 
• Please do not block emergency vehicle access to any part of any parking lot; all established tailgating structures (tents, tables, etc.) should be located within the confines of marked parking spaces. DePauw Police and athletics staff may ask you to move your vehicle/tailgate if it is impeding on the emergency access.
• Charcoal/gas grilling for food preparation is permitted but extreme caution should be used.  No gas powered generators, deep fat fryers, or fire pits are allowed.  Burned coals and/or residue from cooking are not permitted to make contact with the paved surface of the parking lot or grassy areas.
• Only service animals are allowed in our athletic venues and venue seating areas. Animals may be in the grass areas outside of each venue's fencing. Please do not leave animals in cars unattended. 

Student Groups

• Student groups may only register tailgating events involving alcohol in conjunction with home football games.  Student organizations interested in hosting a tailgating event can register online through Campus Labs. All registrations will be reviewed by the Events Registration Team.
• DePauw University follows all federal, state or local laws.  Individuals participating in tailgating activities at DePauw University are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful manner, including following the directives of event staff and public safety officials.  Students who do not follow the DePauw Student Handbook may be disciplined through the Community Standards process.

Other Important Information

• All guests are expected to bring their own food and beverage as there are no food or beverage sales in the parking lot.  Exceptions may be made for special events as determined by the University.
• Music should be played at a reasonable level; please be respectful of others around you, and that language can be hurtful to others.
• Please clean up and recycle when the game is over in the receptacles provided.  The area should be returned to the same condition it was when you arrived.
• No unauthorized sales activities are allowed on DePauw University's campus.  The sale of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited unless prior approval has been given by the Vice President of Business and Finance and the Vice President of Student Affairs.
• Individuals attending events at DePauw University are expected to conduct themselves in a manner respectful of the nature and character of the University.  Individuals acting in a disruptive or disrespectful manner may be asked to leave the premises by the University's Police officers. DePauw University students may also be charged with a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.

DePauw University promotes a family atmosphere at all athletic events.  Please be respectful of other tailgaters nearby; we rely on you not only to follow the University's tailgating guidelines, but to help enforce them with those around you. DePauw Police can be reached by dialing (765) 658-5555.  Athletics can be reached at (765) 658-4012. Thank you for your continued support of DePauw University athletics and for your cooperation regarding the tailgating guidelines.