On a fall Saturday in a college town, the parking lot is part of the game. Tailgating turns lots and fields into temporary neighborhoods of grills, canopies and folding chairs. Behind the fun is a parking system with its own rules, and knowing the basics helps you enjoy the day without surprises.
Game day changes everything
On home game days, normal campus parking rules are often suspended or replaced. Lots that serve students and staff during the week may be reserved for season ticket holders, donors or paid game day parking. Students may be asked to move their cars by a certain time. The university athletics department usually publishes a game day parking guide, and it is the most important document to read before you go.
Common types of game day parking
- Reserved or permit lots tied to season tickets or booster memberships, often sold well in advance.
- General public lots sold on game day or online beforehand, sometimes cash-free.
- Grass fields and overflow areas used only on busy days, which can get muddy in rain.
- Private lots run by nearby businesses, churches or homeowners, each with their own terms.
- Remote park-and-ride lots with shuttles to the stadium.
Tailgating rules vary widely
Whether you can set up a canopy, use a grill or arrive early depends on the school and the lot. Many campuses set opening times for lots, limit tailgating to certain areas, and have rules about open flames, generators and alcohol. Some require tailgating to end when the game starts. These are policy details that change by school and by season, so read the athletics department guide and the posted signs at the lot.
Arrival and setup tips
If tailgating is the point of your day, arriving when lots open gives you the most choice of spaces. Pull in carefully and follow the attendants, who are trying to fit as many cars as possible while keeping aisles open for emergency vehicles. Keep your setup within the footprint of your space and the area directly behind it, and leave walkways clear.
- Bring trash bags and pack out what you bring in.
- Note your lot name and row; lots look very different after dark.
- Keep a phone charger in the car for the drive home.
- Designate a sober driver before the day begins.
Leaving after the game
Postgame traffic can take a long time to clear, especially from large lots with a single exit. Many fans pack up slowly, enjoy a postgame meal at the tailgate and let the first wave of cars leave. Others park facing the exit or choose a lot on the side of the stadium closest to their route home. Local police often run special traffic patterns after games, so follow officers’ directions even when they differ from your navigation app.
Every school runs game day differently. Check the athletics department website and the city’s official site for traffic plans, and trust the posted signs on the day.
A Game-Day Packing List for Tailgaters
A good tailgate starts at home. Packing with the parking lot in mind makes setup faster and keeps your space within the rules.
- Parking essentials: Your parking pass, saved to your phone and printed if possible, plus the athletics department’s game-day guide
- Setup gear: A canopy that fits within your space if canopies are allowed, folding chairs and a small table
- Weather gear: Rain ponchos, sunscreen, layers for a cold evening and boots if you are parking on grass
- Cleanup supplies: Trash and recycling bags, paper towels and a small container for any approved grill coals
- Power: A phone charger for the car and a portable battery
- Safety basics: A small first-aid kit, water and a flashlight for the walk back after dark
Leave behind anything the venue prohibits. Rules on grills, generators and other equipment vary, so check before you pack.
Parking on Grass: What to Know
Overflow fields are a common part of college game days, and they come with their own challenges.
- Drive slowly and steadily. Sudden acceleration can spin tires in soft ground.
- Watch for ruts and hidden dips. Follow attendants’ directions to the spaces they have chosen.
- Plan for mud. After rain, a field can become soft. If your vehicle has trouble in mud, a paved lot may be worth the extra effort.
- Avoid parking over dry tall grass. A hot exhaust system can be a fire risk; follow attendants and park where directed.
- Leaving: Pull out gently and follow the flow of traffic toward the exits.
Being a Good Lot Neighbor
Tailgate lots work because thousands of people share a small space for a few hours. A few courtesies keep the day enjoyable for everyone:
- Keep music at a level that does not overwhelm neighbors
- Do not save extra spaces for friends unless the lot’s rules allow it
- Keep fire lanes, aisles and walkways completely clear
- Watch children closely, since drivers are still arriving and moving
- Pack up and leave your space clean, including small items like bottle caps
What This Means If You Are New to Game Day
If you are a first-time visitor, a new student or a parent attending your first game, it can help to start simply. Consider a park-and-ride shuttle for your first game to learn the layout, or arrive with friends who know the routine. Read the game-day guide in advance, especially sections on lot opening times, prohibited items and traffic patterns. After one game, you will have a much better sense of which lot and arrival time work for you.
Tailgate Parking Questions
Can I tailgate without a parking pass?
Some campuses have walk-up tailgating areas, while others restrict tailgating to parked vehicles in designated lots. Check the athletics department’s rules.
Can I stay in the lot after the game?
Many lots have closing times after games. The game-day guide or posted signs explain how long you may stay.
What if it storms?
Follow official announcements and staff instructions. In lightning, seek shelter in a building or hard-topped vehicle, and take down canopies if winds rise.
Are private lots near the stadium a good option?
They can be, but terms vary. Confirm the price, closing time and rules before you pay, and avoid parking anywhere without clear permission.
Is it okay to arrive before the lot opens?
Waiting in line on a public road can block traffic. Time your arrival to the posted opening time instead.
