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PrintIf you’re planning to tailgate before the game at Memorial Stadium, be sure you are not in possession of “excessive amounts of alcohol.”
If you’re unsure what constitutes excessive alcohol, MU police suggest that you make an educated guess. That’s what they’re planning to do this Saturday.
Kegs, along with “bulk quantities” of alcohol, have been officially banned at informal tailgate parties at Memorial Stadium. However, MU police have not defined “bulk quantities.” Instead, Capt. Brian Weimer said, officers will be using their judgement to decide whether or not excessive alcohol is a contributing factor to disruptive behavior.
If they decide that excessive alcohol is a factor, tailgaters will be asked to pour out their alcohol or leave.
“There is no definition because it’s completely different for each situation,” Weimer said.
Fans are confused about the new rules, judging by the chatter on the Tigerboard.com message board.
“I think it’s unprofessional to ban bulk alcohol and not define it,” Jason LaGree, a Tigers fan, said in a telephone interview after he posted a message.
“It makes people paranoid that they’re going to get into trouble,” said LaGree, who has been throwing tailgate parties at Memorial Stadium for the past four years.
But Weimer said fans have little cause for concern.
“This whole issue is nothing new,” he said. “It’s something that has been done for years. If our officers have shown up to a disturbance and alcohol has been a factor, people have been asked to leave.”
Weimer said the restrictions are part of a police effort to keep sporting events safe and fun by limiting disruptive or dangerous situations. The restrictions are a rule, not a law. Fines or tickets will not be given for excessive amount of alcohol, but they will be issued for other liquor law violations.
Will anything change now that kegs have been banned from the Memorial Stadium parking lot? Ronny Mehta, an employee of Arena Liquor, doesn’t think so.
“It’s going to be crazy busy,” he said.
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