Towson University Scales Back Changes To Tailgating Rules
TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) -- It's been a back and forth controversy for weeks. Towson tailgating has been the talk of the campus. After making significant rules changes, the university decides to scale back.
Rick Ritter stopped by the tailgating scene.
Saturday wasn't what we've seen in the past, that's for sure. Students expressed concerns about the new rules all week long, saying they're too strict, so the university decided to made changes once again.
From a sea of chaos to the exact opposite. It was a different scene at Towson tailgating Saturday--far different from the past.
The controversy started weeks back. University officials say students were out of control, forcing them to make new rules for last week's home game and even consider a potential ban of tailgating.
"Some things that really concerned us, students being transported to area hospitals," said Ray Feldman, director of communication, Towson University.
Many were outraged. Most didn't show up to the game.
"It's upsetting because it's part of the college culture," said Brandon Slade, Towson junior.
But just one week in, the university is changing those rules yet again. This time, its scaling back.
After banning pickup trucks and forcing all students to get a parking permit to enter the lot, the university decided to scrap both of those rules.
"They just felt like we put too many obstacles in place to prevent them from tailgating," Feldman said.
Other restrictions remain, including no open containers on the lot or inside football games, and the university will continue to check backpacks and cars.
"If they can't do what they want to do then people definitely won't show up," said Matthew Broadwater, Towson sophomore.
It's all an effort to find a happy medium that puts fans in the stands and keeps the long-going tradition alive.
"This is a work in progress and we're going to keep working until we get it right," said Feldman.
Towson has at least two more home games this season.
For an updated list of the university's tailgating rules, click here.
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