UGA Begins New Tailgating Rules

ATHENS, Ga. - The University of Georgia has imposed new rules on football fans who tailgate at games in Athens this year. The changes come after 70 tons of garbage were left on campus following a game last year. UGA officials say the new restrictions allow fans to enjoy the tailgating experience, while at the same time protecting an historic section of campus. But some fans say their traditions are being taken away.

The rules apply to tailgating in the historic North Campus area. A number of popular tailgating items are now prohibited in that area, including grills, kegs, tents and any furniture except folding chairs. Tailgating can begin no earlier than four hours before kickoff. North Campus includes the area bounded by Broad Street, Lumpkin Street, Baldwin Street and Jackson Street.

Because of the rules, a number of football fans say they plan to tailgate elsewhere this year. UGA graduate Matthew Fredenberg says "North Campus is great... I have a lot of friends this year that said they won't be going there because of the rules... The university gets a ton of money from football and they can afford to clean it up I would think."

But the University says the changes are needed, after last year's episode when cleanup crews had to deal with tents, portable grills and garbage left behind on campus. New rules also apply to tailgaters in University parking lots. Because of increased traffic, no trailers, golf carts or ATV's are allowed there.