Football Gameday A - Z

ADA Accomodations
McGuirk Alumni Stadium is accessible to the disabled community through various structural features and operational services. We welcome these guests to attend all events and offer the following services:

- ADA parking is available in the Red Lot, located on the south end of McGuirk Alumni Stadium, and must be requested during the season ticket renewal process. Entry to the Red Lot on gameday will require a Red Lot pass and a state-issued disabled parking placard. Single-game Red Lot parking passes are $5 in advance and $10 on gameday. Single-game Red Lot passes (and single-game tickets) are on sale on July 12.

- ADA accessible seating is located on the west side (press box side) of McGuirk Alumni Stadium in Row A of Sections 1 through 8.

- Customer service personnel have been trained in emergency preparedness and procedures, including total or partial evacuation. Designated team members will have the primary duty of assisting guests with disabilities to specific locations.

- ADA restrooms are located in the south building at McGuirk Alumni Stadium.

- Certified service animals on leashes are welcome at McGuirk Alumni Stadium.

Admission
McGuirk Alumni Stadium will open 90 minutes prior to kickoff. Spectators (three (3) and older) must have a valid ticket to enter and are encouraged to enter McGuirk Alumni Stadium prior to kickoff. This serves to ease congestion at the gates. Once in the stadium, guests are allowed to exit and re-enter the facility with a hand stamp and game ticket. All bags will be searched upon entry and re-entry.

Alcoholic Beverages
The possession and/or consumption of alcohol in the general seating area of McGuirk Alumni Stadium is strictly prohibited. Can, bottles, coolers and alcohol may not be brought into the stadium. Guests are subject to search upon entry and/or within the stadium. All bags will be searched upon entry and re-entry. Alcohol will be confiscated, and if the patron is determined to be impaired, their ticket will be scanned and they will be escorted from the premises.

Animals
Only service animals are allowed inside McGuirk Alumni Stadium. Animals must be kept on a leash of six (6) feet or shorter in all tailgating areas at all times. Owners must remain in control of their animals at all times and are responsible for cleaning up any messes by their animals. Owners assume all financial responsibility for any damages to property or injury to individuals caused by the animals.

ATM
ATMs are located at the Southwest Horseshoe, adjacent to the Mullins Center Box Office on Commonwealth Ave., in the basement of Campus Center and at the Big Y Shopping Plaza on University Drive.

Attendance
All fans, friends and families must attend the game, wear maroon, be proud and cheer loud!

Bags
All bags will be searched upon entry and re-entry to McGuirk Alumni Stadium. Bags larger than 14"x10"x5" are not permitted in McGuirk Alumni Stadium.

Banners and Signs
Hand-held banners may be no larger than 3'x3' and must not obstruct the view of other guests during the game.

Barricades and Fencing
Guests may not erect or move barricades, barrels, fencing or any other traffic control devices. All signs and instructions must be obeyed.

Bicycle Parking
There is no bicycle parking at McGuirk Alumni Stadium.

Cameras
Video cameras, tripods and still lenses bigger than one (1) foot are prohibited.

Commercial Activity and Solicitations
Commercial activity and solicitations are not allowed on property. Unauthorized sale of merchandise, food or beverage is strictly prohibited.

Concessions
A variety of in-stadium meal options, ranging from classic gameday fare to more contemporary and dietary items, are available for sale. Concession stands are located at the base of the McGuirk Alumni Stadium stands on both the east and west sidelines.

Conduct
UMass hopes to provide a memorable gameday experience for all guests. Please help us to enhance the fan experience by demonstrating sportsmanship at all times. If you encounter unruly behavior, please contact a game management representative. Spectators must remain off the playing field at all times. UMass reserves the right to remove from the stadium, without refund, any individuals disrupting other guests, team representatives or officials. The person(s) issued the parking pass for tailgating activities are responsible for the conduct of their guests.

Drones
Drones, model aircrafts, kites and any other remote controlled or tethered flying objects are not permitted at or around McGuirk Alumni Stadium.

Emergency and Medical Services, First Aid
Please report an emergency to a member of UMass/Amherst Police or a member of the event staff. Announcements and paging for emergencies are coordinated by contacting event staff. First Aid stations and medical services are located in the southwest corner of McGuirk Alumni Stadium and in a designated tent on Stadium Drive.

Evacuation Procedure
In the event UMass deems it necessary to evacuate McGuirk Alumni Stadium, an announcement will be made via the public address system and information will be displayed on the stadium's video board. Guests are asked to exit in an orderly fashion. Security personnel will be on hand to direct and assist guests. Guests are to exit through the nearest portal and proceed to the nearest stadium exit.

Flammables and Trash
Charcoal must be disposed of in hot coal barrels and trash in trash and recycling receptacles throughout the tailgating areas. Grease, coals or other trash may not be disposed of on the ground. Please do not place charcoal or other flammables in trash cans, under trees or leave in the tailgating or parking areas.

Food
Outside food or beverages are not allowed in McGuirk Alumni Stadium.

Generators
Portable generators are permitted as long as they do not create excessive noise, emission hazards or other safety concerns.

Glass Containers
Glass containers are strictly prohibited for use during tailgating activities.

Grills and Smokers
Grills and smokers must be attended to at all times and may not obstruct sidewalks, fire lanes or pedestrian walkways. Grills and smokers on trailers are allowed into the tailgating area and must fit within your designated space. Fires built on the ground and open fire pit devices are prohibited. Propane tanks cannot exceed a cylinder size of 20 pounds.

Guest Services
Guest Services is located next to Section 20, along the north concourse. The booths are staffed until 20 minutes after the game ends. Guest Services can assist with gameday questions, provide information, as well as lost and found retrieval. Members of the UMass Event Staff and UMass Security are located at each gate.

Lost or Missing Persons
Please contact the UMass Event Staff or UMPD at 413-545-3111. UMass Event Staff or a member of UMPD will stay with you until the missing person is found. If you become separated, contact the nearest stadium personnel for assistance.

Lost and Found
Items found during the game will be turned into Guest Services. Items not claimed and items found after the game and during Sunday clean-up will be turned over to UMass Facilities on Monday following games. Call 413-545-0075 to inquire if your item has been turned in.

Lost or Stolen Tickets
For information on lost or stolen tickets, contact the UMass Athletics Ticket Office at 413-545-0810.

Motorized Vehicles
Use of ATVs, golf carts, gators, scooters, mopeds and other motorized recreational vehicles is prohibited. Only properly credentialed motorized vehicles are allowed around and at McGuirk Alumni Stadium.

Music and Bands
Loud music, live bands and other live performances are not allowed in the tailgating areas. Music must be confined to your tailgating area and speakers must be directed into your tailgate area. Event management reserves the right to ask for your music to be turned down or off.

Re-Entry
Guests are permitted to leave McGuirk Alumni Stadium and return on the same ticket provided they get their hand stamped prior to leaving the venue.

Restrooms
Portable toilets will be available throughout the tailgating and parking areas. Permanent restrooms are available inside McGuirk Alumni Stadium on the south end behind the scoreboard. There are no public restrooms in the Football Performance Center.

RV Parking
RV parking is located in Lot 14 and must be reserved. Access to reserved spots is available 5-10 p.m. the day prior to gameday and no earlier than 8 a.m. on gameday. All motor homes require exhaust extensions that reach the top of the motor home. For the safety of all, motor homes without an extension should not operate a generator. This also applies to generators used by fifth wheels.

Scalping or Re-Sale of Tickets
Tickets may not be sold on UMass property except by authorized personnel of the UMass Athletics Ticket Office staff. Tickets cannot be sold by unlicensed parties pursuant to Massachusetts G.L. c. 140, §185A.

Security and Safety
All guests and their items will be subject to physical inspection by security personnel. Do not leave valuables visible in your car and always lock your doors. Laptops, purses, GPS units, iPods and other electronic devices are especially at risk for theft. UMass is not responsible for any stolen items. Any item deemed dangerous or inappropriate by management can and will be prohibited from McGuirk Alumni Stadium. It is the responsibility of each patron to secure tailgating items prior to entering McGuirk Alumni Stadium. All valuables should be locked and placed out of sight, all flames and fires extinguished and all barbecue pits, tents, tables and chairs secured. Please obey all posted safety signage and use extreme caution driving into or leaving tailgating areas.

See Something, Say Something
Do not touch suspicious items or confront someone acting suspiciously. Please call the police in this situation. Watch for unattended packages, whether left behind accidentally or purposely. Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Remember if you see something suspicious, report it to the nearest police officer or UMass Event Staff.

Setup and Break Down
Tailgate setup may begin no earlier than designated parking lot opening time. There is no "set-up day" for tailgating spots. Overnight occupancy is not allowed. Guests must have all items, including tents, cleared and cleaned by 5 p.m. the day after the game.

Smoking
The state of Massachusetts law prohibits smoking on University property, including inside and around McGuirk Alumni Stadium.

Stadium Seats and Seat Cushions
Stadium seat without arms are permitted in McGuirk Alumni Stadium. Stadium seats with arms are prohibited. Seat cushions narrower than 18 inches are permitted in McGuirk Alumni Stadium. Seat cushions wider than 18 inches are prohibited.

Strollers
Strollers are not permitted inside McGuirk Alumni Stadium. Guests may leave strollers outside the gates at their own risk without blocking entrances and exits. UMass is not responsible for lost or stolen strollers.

Student Tickets
UMass undergraduate students receive free admission to all UMass Athletics events. Students may enter McGuirk Alumni Stadium by simply swiping their UCard at the student entrance. UCards are also used for the student BBQ behind sections 9 and 10 at each game.

Sustainability
UMass is a sustainable community for food, energy, waste and social equity. During tailgating activities, guests must recycle and refrain from littering. Gameday recycling bins will be available to decrease the amount of waste that is sent to landfills. UMass has placed numerous collection containers throughout the campus for recycling of plastic and aluminum items. Please help the campus recycling program by utilizing these containers. For more information on UMass' sustainability efforts, visit: https://www.umass.edu/sustainability/.

Tents and Tailgating
Stay Grounded Tents or canopies must be secured and may not utilize stakes that penetrate the ground more than 12 inches. Tailgating amenities, including tents, canopies, furniture, grills, generators, cables or satellite dishes, may not obstruct sidewalks, drive lanes, pedestrian walkways or fire lanes.

Tickets and Will Call
The UMass Athletics Ticket Office is located at the Mullins Center and is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. The McGuirk Alumni Stadium Ticket Office (ticket sales and will call), located outside the east gates of McGuirk Alumni Stadium on Stadium Drive, opens two (2) hours prior to kickoff and closes at the end of the third quarter. The satellite ticket trailer (ticket sales only) opens four (4) hours prior to kickoff and is located on Stadium Drive. UMass player guest and visiting team will call, located outside the east gates of McGuirk Alumni Stadium, opens 90 minutes prior to kickoff and closes at the end of the third quarter. Only the person whose name is on the ticket envelope may pick up the ticket(s). A photo ID is required for all will call transactions.

Trash
UMass conveniently places receptacles for the disposal of trash and other items throughout campus. Please help keep our campus clean by disposing of your trash.

Weather
Guests are encouraged to monitor the weather prior to the game and take the necessary precautions to protect your family and friends should severe weather be encountered before, during or after the game. In the event of inclement weather during the game, please be prepared to evacuate the stadium and return to your car. Emergency instructions will be delivered via the public address system and the message boards when possible. Umbrellas are not permitted inside the stadium.

Tailgating Policies

Tailgating is a longstanding college football gameday tradition. At UMass, it is a gameday fixture that embraces the fellowship of friends, the UMass pride and spirit, and the great energy and support of our football program. The University of Massachusetts and UMass Athletics strongly encourage responsible tailgating in an effort to enhance the gameday experience, ensure a safe gameday atmosphere for all guests and preserve the beauty of our campus.

Individuals, groups and organizations participating in tailgate activities are responsible for their own conduct, are expected to respect the rights of others and the entire University community, and to attend the game!

As you take part in gameday activities, we ask that you please help us maintain the campus buildings, grounds and landscape which are important investments for students, faculty, staff and guests to enjoy. Inappropriate or dangerous behavior affecting the safety of guests, resulting in destruction of University property, facilities and/or grounds, or failing to adhere to these tailgating policies may result in the permanent and immediate loss of tailgating privileges.

Responsible Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages
- Laws and regulations of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the town of Amherst and University of Massachusetts on possession, consumption and distribution of drugs and alcohol will be strictly enforced.

- In accordance with the alcoholic beverage laws of the State of Massachusetts, individuals must be at least 21 years old to purchase, possess or consume alcoholic beverages. Those that choose to consume alcohol must be able to present a valid driver's license or photo ID to reflect their age upon request.

- UMPD may ask for legal proof of identification for anyone appearing to be under 21. If you are under the age of 21 and are holding or drinking alcohol, you are subject to arrest.

- If you are under the age of 21 and are driving a vehicle that contains alcohol, you are subject to arrest.

- If you are operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, you are subject to arrest.

- Guests who drink alcoholic beverages are asked to drink and act responsibly. UMPD reserves the right to ID anyone with alcohol containers at any time.

- All beverages must be consumed from non-glass containers/bottles. Glass containers are strictly prohibited for use during all gameday and tailgating activities.

- Spirituous liquor, kegs, common containers and glass containers are not permitted in any location. Consumption of alcoholic beverages in designated lots may begin no earlier than four (4) hours prior to kickoff when parking lots open.

- Unruly or visibly intoxicated behavior will be grounds for removal from the venue or campus.

- UMass students are also subject to on-campus rules and regulations associated with these legal violations. UMass students must adhere to the University's policies governing consumption of alcoholic beverages as stated in the UMass Drug and Alcohol Policies.

- The consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited inside UMass facilities unless otherwise designated.

- Please drink responsibly. Guests who appear to be impaired may not be permitted to enter McGuirk Alumni Stadium.

To summarize in simple terms, if you follow the rules and consume alcohol responsibly, and in the proper areas, you will not have a problem. Some tailgates will have alcohol and some will choose not to participate in those activities. Acting maturely and responsibly will ensure all guests are able to enjoy their gameday experience in the proper manner.

Policies and Procedures:
- All guests attending games at McGuirk Alumni Stadium will require a parking pass.

- Parking lots open and tailgating is permitted four (4) hours prior to kickoff at McGuirk Alumni Stadium. Parking or standing on roads prior to lots opening is prohibited.

- Tailgating ends at the start of kickoff. Guests that are still present in the parking lots at the start of the game must enter McGuirk Alumni Stadium.

- Tailgating is permitted after the game for 90 minutes. UMPD and game operations staff will ask guests to exit the parking lot areas after the allotted time.

- UMPD and UMass Event Staff will ensure proper traffic flow in the parking lots. Please follow all directions from staff to designated parking spots.

- UMPD and UMass Event Staff reserve the right to refuse parking service to anyone at any time. Inappropriate behavior will result in the permanent loss of all parking and tailgating privileges.

- The state of Massachusetts law prohibits smoking on University property, including inside and around McGuirk Alumni Stadium

- 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 UMass community.
Individuals are responsible for compliance with all local and state laws governing alcohol consumption.

- Overnight occupancy is prohibited in tailgating areas.

- All guests must follow the directions and instructions provided by stadium personnel (UMPD, UMass Event Staff, etc.). Failure to do so may result in removal from the premises.

- Driving or parking private vehicles on greenspaces (except reserved Stadium Drive areas), sidewalks and yellow curbs is strictly prohibited.

ONE VEHICLE = ONE SPACE: Vehicles and tailgating activities may occupy only one parking space in the designated lot and the area directly behind or in front of each vehicle. Blocking of the fire lane is prohibited. Roadways and additional spaces are to remain clear.

- Marked parking spaces are for vehicles only. Parking spaces may not be used for tents, grills, chairs or other items.

- Tailgating is defined as the placement of any item on the ground (chairs, coolers, grills, games, etc.). Tailgating is confined to the area adjacent to your parking space between the red lines. Please maintain a driveway between parked cars for emergency vehicle access.

- Tailgaters must maintain a 14-foot drive aisle between rows of vehicles at all times.

- Greenspaces beyond the designated tailgating spaces are considered common ground.

- Anyone who causes or creates a dangerous situation (fighting, threatening violence, or creating a hazardous or physically offensive situation) will be directed to leave or may be subject to arrest.

- Unauthorized sale of merchandise, food, or beverage is strictly prohibited.

- Hot coal disposal containers will be available in designated tailgating lots.

- Amplified sound that may disrupt other guests is not allowed (external stereo speakers or the use of a DJ). Event management reserves the right request music to be turned down or off.

- Use of motorized recreational vehicles, including four-wheelers, golf carts, mules, gators, scooters, motorized skateboards, etc., is prohibited.

- Tents or canopies must be secured and may not utilize stakes. They may not obstruct sidewalks, drive lanes or pedestrian walkways. Tailgating amenities including furniture, grills, generators, cables or satellite dishes may not obstruct sidewalks, drive lanes or pedestrian walkways.

- Grills and smokers must be attended to at all times. Fires built on the ground and open fire pit devices are prohibited. Propane tanks cannot exceed a cylinder size of 20 pounds.

- Portable generators are permitted as long as they do not create excessive noise, emission hazards or other safety concerns.

- Unauthorized use of UMass resources (power and cable hookups) is prohibited. Guests must provide their own power/video source.

- Animals must be kept on a leash of six (6) feet or shorter in all tailgating areas at all times. Owners must remain in control of their animals at all times and are responsible for cleaning up any messes by their animals. Owners assume all financial responsibility for any damages to property or injury to individuals caused by the animals. Only service animals are allowed inside McGuirk Alumni Stadium.

- Guests are responsible for making sure that the tailgating area and grounds are maintained in a clean and orderly manner. No trash or recyclable items are to be discarded anywhere except in trash and/or recycling containers placed by the University throughout the tailgate areas. Littering of any form will not be tolerated.

- UMass conveniently places receptacles for the disposal of trash and other items throughout campus. Please help keep our campus clean by disposing of your trash.

- Charcoal must be disposed of in hot coal barrels and trash in trash and recycling receptacles throughout the tailgating areas. Grease, coals or other trash may not be disposed of on the ground. Please do not place charcoal or other flammables in trash cans, under trees or leave in the tailgating or parking areas.

- UMass is not responsible or liable for accidents, damage, loss or theft of materials/items/personal property.

- Portable toilets will be available throughout the tailgating and parking areas. Permanent restrooms are available inside McGuirk Alumni Stadium on the south end behind the scoreboard. There are no public restrooms in the Football Performance Center.

Prohibited Items:
- Large source containers of alcohol (i.e. kegs, beer funnels, etc.), drinking games (beer pong, flip cup, beer ball, etc.) or other activities involving rapid and/or excessive alcohol consumption
- Glass containers
- Deep fryers or any oil-based cooking or frying
- Open flame fires of any kind
- Disorderly conduct
- Picketing, political campaigning or soliciting/distribution of any kind
- Saving parking or tailgating spaces
- Weapons and fireworks
- Sale of food, beverage, merchandise, etc.
- Amplified sound systems
- Inappropriate or vulgar music and language
- Drones and remote-controlled aircrafts

Failure to comply with these policies may result in (but not limited to) criminal charges, loss of tailgating privileges, immediate ejection from tailgating and/or campus, ban from campus grounds, and/or student disciplinary charges. Lots will be monitored for compliance of tailgating policies, University Code of Conduct and state law.

Widespread or blatant noncompliance with this policy may result in the immediate revocation of the policy for future events.

Guests who use, consume or possess alcohol under this policy assume all responsibility and liability for any and all issues resulting from such matters related to alcohol.

Guests interested in hosting formal tailgate receptions or utilizing campus hospitality resources on gameday are encouraged to contact the UMass Athletics Ticket Office at 1-866-UMASS-TIX.

For tailgating policies questions or clarification, please contact the UMass Athletics (413-545-4085) or the UMass Police Department (413-545-2121).

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Football Gameday 101

Football Gameday A - Z

Tailgating Policies

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University of Massachusets Athletics

Football Gameday 101

Football Gameday A - Z

Tailgating Policies

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