No-alcohol rule sobers tailgaters

The president of YSU's student government body said students are 'outraged.'
By JoANNE VIVIANO
VINDICATOR EDUCATION WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Danny Williams went to his first Penguin football game when he was in high school.
Now 79, he's seen his share of Youngstown State University tailgate parties. And when YSU President David C. Sweet announced Thursday that alcohol will be prohibited in tailgate lots for the final home football game Nov. 15, Williams was concerned.
"I just don't understand because I didn't see any time, in all the years I've been tailgating, when they ever had any problem," said Williams, of Hubbard. "I have been other places and they do the same thing. ... If you want my opinion, I don't think it's fair."
Sweet made the decision upon the recommendation of Dr. Cynthia Anderson, vice president for student affairs, and Ron Strollo, executive director of intercollegiate athletics.
Panel to review policies
Last week, Sweet named Anderson and Strollo chairs of a committee that will review university policies concerning alcoholic beverages in the university's tailgate areas outside Stambaugh Stadium. Sweet appointed the committee last week in response to an article in The Jambar campus newspaper that said YSU was violating state law.
"With the final home game of the year only a few days away, I think it is best that we prohibit all alcoholic beverages in the tailgate lots pending the committee's review of the policies," Sweet said in a prepared statement. "It is our intention to be in full compliance with local and state laws regarding alcoholic beverages on campus. ... I ask for the support, understanding and patience of our fans as we conduct this review."
YSU spokesman Ron Cole said alcohol will be permitted in loge areas inside the stadium.
State officials have said that drinking alcohol in outdoor tailgate lots, as permitted by YSU policy, violates open-container laws; that legal outdoor events require temporary liquor permits; and that alcohol at the event must be sold, not given away.
"Certainly, if the state of Ohio has said that our policy is in conflict with state statute, we need to review it," said YSU Police Chief John J. Gocala. "And in the meantime, we need to abstain from alcohol."
Gocala pointed out that any violation could leave the university vulnerable to liability complaints in the case of an accident or other issue.
A supervisor and four YSU officers patrol tailgate lots before each home game, Gocala said, and a tailgate permit can be revoked if there are significant problems in any of the lots; tailgating is prohibited during game time. Over the years, he added, there have been no major problems.
Students' reactions
Emily Eckman, president of YSU's Student Government Association said students are "pretty much outraged."
"I think we're going to lose a lot of ticket sales and money coming in as far as tailgate lots," she said, adding that renting a tailgate space costs roughly $100 to $150.
SGA member Anthony Candel said he understands that many alumni and other community tailgaters will be aggravated but he understands that the prohibition was necessary to deal with the issue. He said he wished The Jambar had handled the matter differently.
"I'm not suggesting we should break the law," he added. "I just wish we could have taken care of this not-so-publicly. I do think this issue is all across the nation. I don't think it's exclusive to Youngstown, Ohio.
"Luckily there's only one game left."
Williams said he will still tailgate at the Nov. 15 game, but he believes the prohibition will affect fan turnout at YSU as well as the financial situation of the athletic department.
"It has helped the community because they've developed a good sports program. It's helped the athletic department immensely, and we all got to know each other," he added. "I just hope it doesn't hurt the program, but I think it will."
Anderson and Strollo said the committee will review university policies to ensure that they are consistent with applicable Ohio laws. The committee also will examine the more general issue of tailgating and its role in building fan support for the university and its intercollegiate athletic programs. A full report is expected by spring.
viviano@vindy.com