This morning on 107.9 WIRK, an official from the Cruzan Amphitheatre came on the air to explain the new tailgating policy before concerts. They are not eliminating tailgating because it is tradition, but they have had to make some changes.
They have had to revise their tailgating policies due to the high numbers of underage drinkers, the people that are coming just to party then leave when the concert starts, and the people that party irresponsibility (i.e. getting hammered, getting into fights, breaking glass, causing property damage).
The key points to the changes are: going forward, the parking lot gates will not open until 4pm, and there will be Liquor Control Officers patrolling the parking lots. I presume this means more undercover police presence, more underage drinking arrests, and less tolerance on rowdy behavior.
Commentary:
Listen, we’re all there to have a good time, but be responsible about it. These shows aren’t an excuse to get stupid, and it’s not fair that the moronic few are risking ruining the fun for the majority. If you’ve ever gotten into a fight, had to be carried out, been arrested, or caught drinking while underage…you’re one of the moronic few!! ~ Mike