To the Editor:
Remember the celebrated music and football-filled days of tailgating in the fields and parking lots right next to the football stadium? On a Saturday fall afternoon, Commodore students, fans and alumni would share in this longstanding tradition and show their support for the black and gold. Long before the football players stepped foot on to Dudley Field, the festivities of game day would be in full force. Vanderbilt students would pack the various lots behind the stadium waiting for kick off. As the opposing team supporters drove by, we showed them that Vanderbilt's school spirit can and does shadow larger Southeastern Conference schools.
Now students are not allowed in these memory-filled fields. Only parents, alumni and "older" fans are permitted there. Vandy students have been sent to their respective domains, speakers, beverages and grills in hand. The small area that comprises Greek Row is the only place where tailgating can now take place. Essentially, the school's own students have to cut back on pre-game activities that support our Dores. Doesn't something seem wrong here? On Sept. 4, as I drove down Blakemore, I thought I was at the University of South Carolina. USC tailgaters lined the streets that were previously dominated by Vandy fanatics. Vanderbilt students could be seen sporadically scattered across campus. The black and gold camaraderie was not in full force as in previous years. Why hinder fun and school spirit just to get rid of open drinking, only to have it relocated to areas farther away from the stadium? This issue seemed to be handled in such an abrupt fashion, without student input. Tailgating is a staple on Vanderbilt's campus; we should not be denied this notable tradition.
- Dixon McDonald, sophomore in the College of Arts and Science
Tailgating is not just a problem for students
As your article suggests Tailgating on Vanderbilt property is only allowed in Vandyville and the Commodore Club parking areas. The problem with tailgating in either of these two spots is number one it is costly and number two the only people who can tailgate with you (park their cars nearby must also be paid members) This pretty much excludes students but also causes difficulties for other fans and alumni.
We pretty much tailgate for every home game. We have family and friends who like to stop by before the games and share a burger and spend some time together. As this is not allowed on VU properties we have had to find other non owned VU properties that will allow this. They are few and far between and are usually packed with the opposing team fans who have arrived in their RV's from the previous night. When VU closed their last lots to the general public and students last year I contacted Vanderbilt and told them of the problem. I was assured that Vanderbilt was working on the problem but to date had no solutions. Tailgating is indeed a big part of college football and the game experience. If Vanderbilt wants to fill that stadium they need to provide convenient parking and tailgating areas for everyone.