I‘ll be the first to admit that I have been shocked and angered by the condition of North Campus following several home games. 

There need to be steps taken to try and control the problem. 

However, the severe tailgating restrictions are not the solution. In fact they are only adding to a growing problem that the Adams administration and the Athletic Association have created over the past decade.

With absurd season ticket donation requirements, extremely limited parking and now even more limited tailgating areas, recent alumni are finding it nearly impossible to attend games. 

Many that simply can’t afford to buy tickets still come to Athens to see old friends and enjoy the gameday atmosphere. Now even that is slowly being taken away from them.

Only current students are a more rabid fan base than recent alumni and when you remove them from game day you not only hurt the atmosphere that day but also for years to come. 

Once many grow accustomed to staying home on Saturday rather than making the journey to Athens, they won’t do so even when they do have the finances to buy tickets and reserve a spot in a parking deck. 

Though the university does provide a fine education to those that attend, the undeniable truth is that football games, not books, are what bring the alumni and their wallets back to campus. 

This means donations and other support will decline as the older alumni retire and are less able to travel and the younger alumni continue to stay away. 

With 5,000 or so new alumni created every May and December, the numbers grow quickly and the administration would be wise to keep at least one eye on the future while keeping the other on bags of trash.

Patrick Shepherd

Alumnus, Griffin

Political science

Right decision to preserve campus

Back in the fall, I wrote a letter to the editor complaining about the lack of respect and manners exhibited by tailgaters on North Campus. 

I was disgusted and upset at the lack of respect that students, alumni and fans could show for this campus and its historical landmarks.

I’m still horrified at their behavior, only now it’s enhanced by the complaints I’m hearing and reading about the University’s decision.

So to all of the complainers who believe that “tailgating is dead,” riddle me this: when you were little and didn’t clean up your room or you behaved badly, did your parents take away a toy or a privilege that you enjoyed? Were you grounded?

Well, 20 years may have passed, but the concept still survives. If you don’t treat things with care and respect you will lose them. And that is exactly what has happened. 

The tailgaters of North Campus abused the campus and now they have a punishment.

Also, tailgating is not dead. This campus is large, and there are plenty of places where debauchery and celebration can continue without damaging the most beautiful and historic portion of campus.

I have oftentimes been a critic of President Adams, but I am thankful that he stepped up and recognized the dangers of the out of control tailgating that was occurring on North Campus. 

He may have made some enemies, but everyone should be grateful that he and the board are taking a stand and making attempts to preserve our campus, even if they do not realize it yet.

Just remember, come fall, respect the new rules and the rest of campus, because if not, then our other privileges will be taken away and we will be punished even further. 

And what fun would a Georgia Saturday be if we could only tailgate for four hours all over campus, all while paying for our spots?

Jordan Shoemaker 

Junior, Bishop

History

Tailgating limits not right answer

Tailgating on North Campus is dirtier than a used jockstrap. It’s loud, people are obnoxious and it’s packed in tighter than Charles Barkley in a size-32 waist. It’s everything you’d think I would hate about game days, but you know what?

I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Not for all the spilled beer in the world — which, coincidentally, happens to cover each of my three pairs of shoes to this day. When I pack up my cooler on Sept. 4 for the first game of the season, however, I’m going to have to find a new place to enjoy the pre-game festivities.

Tailgating on North Campus for the upcoming season will be limited to four hours before kickoff. 

Banned items during this short period will include tents, kegs, televisions, amplified music, grills or cookers of any type, larger tables and household furniture. Essentially, all the ingredients to a successful tailgate.

The reasoning behind this change is to preserve the historic North Campus, as it has taken a beating from some of the heartier partiers over the years.

The problem here is a combination of a lack of preparation on the University’s part and a large population of inconsiderate tailgaters who don’t care if their trash ends up in a garbage bag or the fountains by Herty Field.

But, to me, a virtual ban on tailgating in the area is not the answer. Do I want to preserve the landscape? Absolutely. It is one of my favorite areas on campus. But that tailgate is just as important.

Follow the example set by Ole Miss. Increase garbage receptacles and patrol the areas more closely with police. But don’t take away my tailgate. I’ll never find a place where I can be closer to my fellow fans — literally. 

David Mitchell 

Senior, Peachtree City

Red & Black sports writer