Morgantown Police, University Police and West Virginia University officials and student leaders met this week to discuss tailgating issues around the stadium.

While tailgating is a great and spirited tradition, it can get out of hand if certain precautions are not taken or laws are not followed, officials say.

“We want all Mountaineer fans, guests and visitors to Morgantown to enjoy Division I college football,” said Morgantown Police Chief Ed Preston. “But in order for everyone to have a safe and enjoyable time, we would like to remind everyone of some very important rules.”

Preston emphasized:

• Each tailgate spot is expected to be clean at the end of each game. Property owners and individuals operating tailgating and parking lots will be charged for failure to maintain any lots, fields and property litter free. Violators may face fines up to $500.

• Open pit fires are not allowed. All fires must be contained to grills. Please properly dispose of all hot coals.

• All Alcohol Beverage Control laws of the State of West Virginia and the City of Morgantown will be enforced.
  • The minimum drinking age is 21 years of age. Anyone found consuming alcohol younger than this minimum age may be arrested and charged with underage consumption.
    • It unlawful to provide alcohol to minors. Anyone furnishing alcohol to minors will be charged accordingly.
    • It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while impaired. Anyone operating a motor vehicle with a blood-alcohol content greater than .08 will be arrested and charged with driving while impaired.
    • Anyone who has an unsealed container in a vehicle will be charged with an open container violation.
    • No open containers of alcoholic beverages will be permitted on any public street or highway.

• A social gathering on public or private property shall be deemed to constitute a nuisance party when, by reason of conduct of the persons in attendance, it results in a citation being given or an arrest being made for one or more violations of municipal, state or federal law which occur at the site of the social gathering, or on neighboring public or private property.

• The selling of goods (food, beverages, clothing, etc.) without a business license is prohibited.

Everyone wants fans to enjoy the game but to be responsible and to respect City laws, the law enforcement officers, WVU and the residents surrounding Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium, Preston said.

-WVU-

CONTACT: University Relations/News
304-293-6997

Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.