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The first BYU football game is just over a week away and there's been alot of discussion during the preseason on the subject of tailgating. A group of fans and the school are both hoping to create new game day traditions.
A group of fans including Rachel Konishi are prepping their tailgating equipment and trying to make tailgating a mainstream game day tradition.
"Over the off season we've had a couple of guys actually go out and buy trailers," said Konishi. "A bunch of guys who have expanding their tailgating hardware. It's going to be a good year."
BYU took notice of the increased interest in tailgating and created two tailgating lots and some new regulations for this season.
BYU took notice of the increased interest in tailgating and created two tailgating lots and some new regulations for this season.
People can take two parking spots for a car, a grill and a canopy in a lot Northeast of the Marriot Center. However, people are not supposed to start filling that lot until 4 hours before the game. A separate lot near the BYU intramural fields will be made available for bigger trailers and motor homes that show up a day early for the game. But, people must make reservations in advance for this lot.
Konishi and her group of tailgating friends are disappointed with the restrictions that include no charcoal in the grills. She would also like to see all tailgaters together so it feels more like a big community of fans who can mingle and share food and stories. The tailgating group is also asking to be a part of a panel at the school that looks at improving the tailgating experience.
BYU Associate Athletic Director Duff Tittle says three home games this season are on weeknights, which causes parking issues because students will be using lots for parking before game time. This is one reason why the trailers and motor homes were put in an area where students won't be parking.
Tittle says the regulations they've put in place are common with regulations found at many other schools. But Tittle says they love that fans are wanting to tailgate and he hopes the tailgating experience continues to grow. He says they will be open to suggestions and making changes as the season moves forward.
