Tailgating season begins; changes mean sparser crowds in end zone

A successful last season for the Southeast Missouri State University Redhawks football team has led to a change in the way fans are tailgating before and during the games this season.

Saturday evening the Redhawks faced off in their season opener against a major rival, the Southern Illinois University Salukis. Before the game, hundreds of Redhawks and Salukis fans were gathered outside Houck Stadium throwing footballs and frisbees, buying tickets, grilling or talking with family and friends.

This year there are noticeably fewer tailgaters in one popular area: the eastern end zone. In the spring and through the summer, the university sent notice to past booster club supporters notifying them that they would be allowed to set up in the area for the season for a $1,000 donation, said Brady Barke, interim associate athletic director. The determination of who is allowed closest to the field to park their vehicle or move in other setup is now based on a history of giving to the booster club, he said.

"It's an effort to make things more organized," said Barke.

According to Barke, the number of people and vehicles got out of hand during games last year and if the situation had been allowed to continue, there would be code violations.

Fans who donated to receive a spot this year also pay $17 per pass for up to 12 people. Setup time has also been moved back to two hours before kickoff.

Barke said the change would also help keep the seats of the bleachers full since so many people would not be in the end zone area.

"It makes for a better crowd up there," he said.

He said there has been some opposition to the change, but it was to be expected. He said he thought Saturday would be a gauge of how well the new rules were working.

Connie Fox was among several in the end zone area. "I really like it," she said. "I don't think it will be as crazy and crowded."

Tracy McKillips, a first-time tailgater at Southeast, was outside the entrance of the stadium with friends. She said she wasn't aware of the new rules, but didn't mind them.

"I'd rather be out here anyway," she said. "There is more going on."

eragan@semissourian.com

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