Contact: Harriet Laird
New policies addressing commercial tailgating companies and tent setup have been adopted by the Mississippi State University administration.
Initially created this summer by the Game Day Operations Committee, the policies are designed to manage the expansion of commercial tailgating companies in areas traditionally used by fans who set up their own tents and tailgating facilities.
University officials approved a fee structure for MSU's 2014 football season that is determined based on the estimated cost to Mississippi State and the total budget for the Game Day Operations Committee. The current season's fee was waived, pending this final university administration approval.
The new fee, approved for one year, is 10 percent of the gross amount received for the season, with payment due prior to the first game.
If additional sales are made during the season, 10 percent of the gross will be submitted to the university.
A fee structure is one of several requirements approved for the policy that was developed after a review of tailgating procedures at several peer institutions with similar game day activities and setups. The full document can be reviewed at www.msstate.edu/web/temp/commercialtents.pdf.
"With popularity only increasing for Mississippi State and Southeastern Conference football, these types of policies are also increasing to help manage the relationship between commercial tent companies and traditional tailgaters," said Sid Salter, MSU's chief communications officer. "We want to continue the atmosphere of allowing first-come, first-served tent setup for our fans, and this policy helps us do that."
Under the policies, MSU is designating two areas for commercial tent operations to be comprised of one-half of the amphitheater area and the back half of the Agricultural and Biological Engineering Building's grass area.
A commercial operator is anyone who is paid to set up 10 or more tents. If MSU determines that an operator is setting up more than 10 tents and has not registered, MSU reserves the right to restrict that person's access to campus.
MSU anticipates having about 250 spaces for commercial operators, Salter said. MSU will accommodate as many spaces as possible in the designated areas, but in no way guarantees a certain number will be available to any commercial vendor.
For more information about MSU's tailgating policies, visit www.fanguide.msstate.edu.