Football Tailgating
Policies and procedures for tailgating at events held at Francis Olympic Field at WashU
Tailgate Locations
Individuals and groups can reserve grass tailgating space for contests taking place at Francis Olympic Field. Grass areas can be reserved for $30/event by contacting D'Angelo Solomon, Senior Associate Director of Athletics for External Operations, at dangelo@wustl.edu. You will be assigned a space near Francis Olympic Field.
Parking on the weekend is first-come, first-served in Visitor and Yellow permit designated spaces. Parking is not permitted in red spaces. Please note – our parking spaces are not designed to accommodate large recreational vehicles. For more specific parking information, please visit https://parking.wustl.edu/.
*Tailgating for the visiting team will be available in Simon Lot, directly across from the front entrance gates.
Charcoal, Grills, and Fires
No open fires are allowed. Only propane tanks that do not exceed 20 pounds are permitted. Charcoal grills are permitted but must be elevated. Charcoal must be self-starting; charcoal lighter fluid is not permitted.
Clean Up/Trash
All groups and individuals participating in tailgating are responsible for proper disposal of their trash and other debris such as charcoal. Trash containers will be provided in tailgating areas. The disposal of grease, hot coals or hazardous materials onto the grounds or into storm drains is prohibited. Any person damaging university property will be responsible for the cost of repairs, including damages to grass from cooking grease or other materials and equipment. Glass bottles are not allowed – only aluminum cans and plastic bottles are permitted.
Please use the following steps for hot coal disposal
- Pour copious amounts of water over the hot charcoal until completely wet and cooled.
- Collect cooled-down coals/ashes using a small shovel and wrap in aluminum foil.
- Discard in outdoor trash can.
Conduct
Individuals attending events at Washington University are expected to act respectfully and with good sportsmanship. Cheer for your team and be courteous and respectful of those around you, including an opposing team and fans. Abusive language and behavior will not be tolerated and are grounds for removal, in addition to other university discipline. All guests‘ belongings are subject to search by the WashU Police Department and/or event management personnel. All prohibited items must be left at home, returned to your vehicle or disposed of before entering the stadium.
Consumption of Alcohol and/or Tobacco
The consumption of alcohol for persons under 21 years of age is prohibited. University regulations and state statutes on alcohol and drug consumption will be strictly enforced. Any liability associated with underage drinking at a tailgate event rests solely on the tailgate event sponsor.
The sale of alcohol at a tailgate is not permitted. Charging an access fee to an area where alcohol is provided is also not permitted.
Glass bottles are not allowed – only aluminum cans and plastic bottles are permitted.
Beer kegs and items that promote the rapid consumption of alcohol are prohibited at any university event or function. No individual or group may transport a keg to a University athletic event. Drinking games and the use of devices intended to accelerate the consumption of alcohol are prohibited.
Any participant who consumes alcoholic beverages at such tailgate events must be able to produce a valid driver’s license or photo identification that indicates the person’s age upon request.
Most importantly, individuals, groups and organizations holding or participating in tailgate parties are responsible for their own conduct and are expected to respect the rights of others and the entire University community. Failure to do so will result in the permanent loss of all tailgating and parking privileges, and depending upon the behavior, other potential university or criminal action.
WashU is a tobacco-free campus. This applies to all university community members, including visitors and those attending athletic and alumni events. For purposes of this policy, “tobacco” is defined to include, but not limited to, any lit cigarette, cigar, pipe, bidi, clove cigarette, electronic cigarette (e-cigarette), personal vaporizer and any other smoking product; and smokeless or spit tobacco, also known as dip, chew, snuff or snus in any form.
Food
Tailgating with food and beverages are permitted in the locations designated by the Athletic Department. The individuals, groups and organizations securing the tailgate location from the Athletic Department are responsible for providing their own food and beverages.
Music
Amplified sound in the tailgate areas is limited to personal-sized, portable, wireless speakers (e.g., Bluetooth speakers). Music must be played at a volume that does not interfere with others around you.
Restrooms
Restrooms are located in the Sumers Recreation Center or in Francis Olympic Field once the gates are open.
Tailgating hours
Tailgating is available three hours before kickoff. We encourage tailgates to shut down 15 minutes before kickoff. Tailgates are not permitted more than one hour after the conclusion of the game.
Tents
Tents are allowed in grass spaces only – they are not permitted on paved surfaces. Tents should not exceed the size limit of 10’x10’. Tents may not be set up earlier than three hours prior to kickoff. Tents should be taken down no later than one hour after the game concludes.
Weather
Please be aware tailgates may be restricted in the event of severe weather. If that occurs, announcements will be made by event staff and/or the Francis Olympic Field Public Address announcer with specific instructions.
