Gameday and Tailgating FAQs

Tailgating and picnicking before Aggie athletic events has enjoyed increasing popularity over the last several years and we anticipate that it will continue to grow in the future. Increased participation has led to more safety concerns and damage to the campus. The plan for responsible tailgating was developed to help ensure that the gameday experience remains friendly, fun, safe and family-oriented activities celebrating a day of athletic competition.

Open Access Sites are any tailgating areas that are outside of the 15-feet distance from designated parking lots and are not tied to parking privileges. They are available to any patrons who setup a tailgate based on Responsible Tailgating General Rules and the additional Open Access Site-Specific Rules.

With the increasing number of fans enjoying tailgating activities on gameday, there are increasing concerns about pedestrian safety, fire safety, sanitation, and the responsible consumption of alcoholic beverages.

The Tailgating Management Team advises that tents and canopies should be anchored appropriately (e.g., sandbags, water barrels, stakes.) Unanchored tents/canopies easily can blow over and present a safety hazard as well as causing damage to property. Please help ensure that tailgating and picnicking remain friendly, fun, safe and family-oriented activities for Aggies of all ages.

The alcohol-free zone is meant to prevent the presence of open containers in the areas immediately surrounding Kyle Field, most notably the Fan Zone and the sidewalks. We have increasing interest in the team and pregame activities and want to keep these areas as "family friendly" as possible. Please note this does not affect those areas that have previously been approved for serving alcohol, such as the Zone Club, the Letterman's Lounge, and the leased suites in Kyle Field.

Generators are not allowed in Spence Park but they are allowed in other sites.

We suggest marine batteries and inverters.

Large pits are not allowed in Spence Park. As a general rule, if it takes more than 2 people to carry it in, it will be too large for the area. Our goal is to have as many Aggie fans as possible enjoying the unique atmosphere of Spence Park.

The rationale for the rule regarding the size of pits/grills is as follows.

1. The size and weight of the rigs has caused damage to both the greenscape and trees, particularly in inclement weather.
2. The increasing number of rolling rigs, due to their size, has restricted the ability for more fans to use Spence Park as a tailgating option, and has caused general congestion that interferes with the flow of other fans through these areas.
3. The movement of large rigs in and out of green spaces causes a risk to pedestrians in the area, whether the rigs are moved by individuals or University employees.

Hot coals must be doused and properly disposed of in specially designated Coal Dumpsters to prevent fires. Fires built on the ground and open fire pit devices are prohibited.

Individuals with disabilities may park in Parking Area 50. Shuttle buses will take them to the front (Joe Routt entrance) of Kyle Field.

The Fan Zone is a pedestrian zone before the game. Joe Routt Boulevard is closed to vehicular traffic between Wellborn Road and Throckmorton beginning at 6AM on game days and reopens shortly after half time. Houston Street from the University Center Garage entrance to Joe Routt Boulevard is closed beginning at 6AM on game days and reopens one hour after the game ends. Houston Street from the center entrance of lot 48 to University Center Garage entrance is closed 4 hours before kick-off (team bus and emergency vehicles have limited access) and reopens one hour after the game. The Tailgating Management Team advises that pedestrians use caution when crossing streets and driveways and to keep careful watch of children, particularly when leaving the stadium.

Permanent restroom facilities are located in the MSC, Koldus Building and the Rudder Theatre Complex. The Association of Former Students is also hosting Aggie fans in the Clayton Williams Building near Kyle Field. However, other campus buildings are not open for public restroom use. Portable toilets are located throughout Spence Park and around other campus buildings and parking lots. Please see the gameday parking map (PDF) for more details.

All solicitations require approval of the University Concessions Committee. Typically, approvals are not given for tailgating areas on game days. University Rule 21.99.09.M1 – Access to University Property for Sales and Solicitation Purposes (PDF) defines "solicitation" as "advertising, the taking of orders, sales, donations, collecting and distributing literature marketing applications or promotional materials" on all University-owned property in Brazos County, Texas. Any and all events that are defined under "solicitation" must obtain permission in advance. This is accomplished with a Texas A&M University Concessions Permit.

Please direct all feedback to the Gameday Feedback Team.