MSA, IFC, administrators search for tailgating solution

The groups discussed turning Reactor Field into a private lot.

By Jasmine Osby

Published July 7, 2009

Correction appended

Administrators and members of several MU organizations are coming together to find alternatives for tailgating after complications and confusion regarding it in the past.

In June, Missouri Students Association President Jordan Paul met with Chancellor Brady Deaton, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Cathy Scroggs and Interfraternity Council President Danny Jonas to discuss how tailgating would be handled in the upcoming athletic season.

According to previous Maneater reports, problems with tailgating began in September 2007 when university administration shut down the popular tailgating location, Frat Pit, after complaints of underage drinking and other behavioral misconduct.

Tailgating parties were then moved to Reactor Field. In October 2008, administration began restricting access to Reactor until closer to game time for reasons similar to those given for the closing of Frat Pit.

"The tailgating problem really became an issue with the closing of Frat Pit," Paul said. "Now, by cutting entry time for Reactor, the problem has gotten worse. What needs to happen is we need to be real about this issue and find a viable solution."

In its June meeting, the group discuss several solutions to the tailgating situation. Among those was the idea of setting aside designated spots for tailgating groups in the parking lot behind the Mizzou Arena, Paul said.

"Ideally, the new site ideally will have one entry and exit point," he said. "This will make it inaccessible to people not associated with the Greek houses, allow for easier monitoring and significantly diffuse the problem."

There was also discussion about turning Reactor into a donor lot. Jonas said this wouldn't be the best solution considering that 60 percent of IFC members are underage.

In turn, Jonas and the IFC have created an unofficial tailgating taskforce designed to discuss the problems with tailgating. The group consists of Jonas and three fraternity presidents: Tommy Gensch of Kappa Alpha; Jake Houska of Alpha Kappa Lambda; and Mason Emmott of Beta Theta Pi.

"The group has come up with some possible solutions, but they are still moving towards a final solution," he said.

Jonas said he hopes in the future everyone has a clear understanding of tailgating regulations.

"I think that we can do a better job at educating our members on what Mizzou's tailgating policies are because a lot of people are in the dark," he said.

Vice President of Sigma Chi Tony Wirkus said he hopes the administration, along with several student organizations, can work together and come to a solution that benefits both the university and students.

"Tailgating is a big part of what we do," Wirkus said. "It's a fun way to get people excited for the game and to get people pumped up."

He also said though it's important that people exercise responsible drinking, shutting down and restricting access to parking lots aren't going to solve the issue.

"What people need to remember is that tailgating doesn't just affect Greeks, everyone enjoys it," Wirkus said. "Rules and regulations should be discussed not just demanded."

For the upcoming school year, students will still be allowed to tailgate at Reactor, and it will not be turned into a private lot, Paul said. The larger issue of toning it down has yet to be addressed.