Contact: Maridith Geuder
STARKVILLE, Miss.--The increased popularity of fall tailgating at Mississippi State--especially in the densely populated Junction area adjacent to Davis Wade Stadium--is causing university officials to call for more fans to bag their trash before departing for home.
"We believe most Mississippi State fans are responsible and don't want to leave unsightly trash and litter behind," said Jim Jones, chair of the campus Game Day Committee. "The university is providing more free trash bags at more locations around tailgating areas, and we've increased the number of garbage receptacles to make it easier to dispose of trash."
The Student Association also is encouraging recycling by providing blue trash bags for aluminum cans at various locations around the stadium and Junction.
While some universities assess tailgating fees to defray the costs of extensive post-game cleanup, MSU has depended on individuals to assume responsibility for their tailgating areas, Jones said.
"Because the Junction, in particular, is such a highly populated, high-energy environment on game days, we'll be increasing the visibility of our security personnel throughout," he added.
Officers now will pass through the area in designated golf carts, and security foot patrols also will increase.
"We want to be available to answer questions, provide assistance or discourage potential problems," said Dean of Students Mike White.
White said other student affairs personnel, including uniformed officers, regularly staff the university police tent on the Junction's north side, adjacent to the MSU Alumni Association. For easy identification, the tent is clearly marked and will be designated Saturday [Nov. 1] by a blue light.
"We encourage anyone with questions to visit us," White said.
White said football fans seeking quieter tailgating experiences should consider other suitable campus areas both nearby and more distant. The lawns of Bell Island and surrounding McArthur Hall would be among those in the former group; Allen Hall, the latter.
"We want everyone who attends football games at Mississippi State to enjoy their tailgating experience, and we ask our fans to be considerate of others as they enjoy the day," White said.
For more about MSU game days, visit http://www.gameday.msstate.edu/.
For more information about Mississippi State University, see http://www.msstate.edu/.