UTEP Tailgating rules will be more relaxed, hope to attract more fans to games

UTEP has listed their tailgating rules for the upcoming season.

UTEP Executive Director of Special Events told ABC 7 that even though the rules have not changed, he has instructed his staff to be more relaxed when enforcing some of them saying, “We have been a little more relaxed in the enforcement of some rules, because we have to have common sense as well.”

He said that one rule that won’t be enforced is the prohibited use of your cell phone, in the stadium, to take pictures or record video. You will now be able to use your cell phone in the stadium.

He also told ABC 7 that their focus is to make every game as welcoming as possible for community. He said, “What I tell my staff is that we have to make sure that people have the most amazing experience that they can possibly have, and what ever that takes.”

He said that showcasing special events to bring the community together helps bring excitement for both the school and the football program.

Tonight UTEP celebrated the start of the new year, and the new football season with Minerpalooza, a type of event that UTEP hopes re-create every home game with their new Fan Fest.

The Fan Fest will be next to the Memorial Gym on game days. It will be a place where fans who don’t want to tailgate in the parking lot can go, and enjoy themselves before the game.

Jorge said, “We’re going to have food trucks, craft beers, inflatables and everything with in the same area so people can go and tailgate and not have to bring anything.”

Jorge told ABC 7 that it will be a family friendly area.

The following is a list of game day rules provided by a UTEP release:

Parking:

One tailgate setup per parking space to include vehicle, canopies and cooking area. Spaces are available on a first come, first served basis. Tailgating should take place within 4 feet in front of or behind your vehicle. No tailgating allowed in the parking garages. Overnight parking with exception of ticketed RV’s is not allowed on University property. Tailgating

For your safety, glass containers are not allowed anywhere on campus during game days. Kegs, beer balls, and other common-source containers also are prohibited on campus and in tailgating areas. This includes beer funnels. Inner campus tailgates may start at 2 p.m. while outer lots may begin at 8 a.m. Tailgaters must enter the Sun Bowl Stadium by the end of the first quarter. One person may stay at each tailgating site during the game if there is a large setup. No drinking games of any kind allowed. For Centennial Plaza tailgating rules, call UTEP’s Office of Special Events, 915-747-5481 Prohibited Items

For the safety and comfort of the audience, the following items are prohibited in the venue:

Alcohol Glass containers Coolers and ice chests Laser pens/pointers Fireworks Outside Food and beverages Pets Missile-like objects Posters, signs, flags or banners Video and audio recording device to include Selfie Sticks, Go-Pros or Tablets Professional Cameras Weapons Wallet Chains Artificial Noisemakers Car Seats and Baby Carriers (Must have tickets for car seat and baby carrier) Drones Umbrellas Lawn chairs Strollers Any other items deemed dangerous and/or inappropriate.

Allowed Items

Sealed bottled water (plastic only) Fanny Packs Radios with headset only Service Animals Still Cameras with NO detachable lens Blankets Baby Food (in plastic containers only) Stadium seat cushions – No larger than 14″ x 14″ Bags – No larger than 14″x14″x16″