New building changes plans for tailgate lots

More than 130 parking spaces were lost because of construction.
By PETE MOLLICA
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- With the creation of the new Andrews Recreation and Wellness Center that is set to open next fall in the former popular F-2 Tailgate Lot, the Youngstown State athletic department has been working on a fan-accommodating tailgate plan for this season.
Fewer than two months remain before kickoff, but the athletic department and members of the university community have been putting together policies and plans since the season ended last November.
Last week, those policies were made public for the first time to people who had tailgate permits a year ago.
Beginning this fall, the designated tailgate lots will be M-24 and M-26, both located within close proximity of Stambaugh Stadium. M-24 is across the street from the stadium, while M-26 is located on the corner of Fifth and Lincoln Avenues.
The athletic department is excited about the campus growth with the construction of the Andrews Recreation and Wellness Center, but athletic director Ron Strollo said he understands the hardship some fans will face because of the location -- directly south of the stadium.
"When the Recreation and Wellness Center is completed it will be one of the top facilities around," Strollo said.
"But we ask our fans, like the university administration has asked us and everyone on campus, that patience and cooperation are important at a time like this. Our institution will be much more attractive to students, faculty and staff once it is completed next fall."
New policy
Since more than 130 spaces have been lost with the construction in the F-2 lot, the athletic department has created a tailgate priority assignment procedure for tailgate-pass holders.
Under the new system, Penguin Club membership level, years as a season tailgate permit holder and number of season tickets will be taken into account.
For now, members who are Emperor Level or above in the Penguin Club are guaranteed their choice of tailgate lots.
Associated athletic director Rick Love said both the M-24 and M-26 lots will feature a variety of activities this season.
"Both lots will see a lot of excitement this year and in the future," Love said. "When the F-2 Lot was available we put bands and displays in that lot and M-24 because people liked the privacy in the M-26 area. Now, we will work to make both lots exciting and try to keep the M-26 lot intimate for those who have enjoyed their space in the past.
"There is no doubt that our staff is dedicated to maintaining a great pre-game atmosphere in these lots."
Last week, an informational letter, along with a tailgate priority form, was mailed out to all 2003 permit holders. That was followed with a mailing which is currently on the way to season ticket holders.
Legislation
The letter also identifies the alcohol tailgating policies for the upcoming year.
The Ohio House recently passed a bill that would create a special permit to allow colleges and professional teams in Ohio to engage in legal tailgating on public property.
Most likely, the bill will not be passed in time for this season.
The athletic department has become proactive in the situation regarding alcohol-beverage consumption in the lots.
In conjunction with several non-profit groups, beer will be available for purchase at comparable local store pricing.
The only legal option available to the athletic department right now was the purchase of an F-permit.
In accordance with this permit, individuals of legal drinking age will be required to show valid proof of identification and age in order to purchase beer. Single servings, six-packs and 12-packs will be served from refrigerated trucks.
Fans are encouraged to bring their own coolers with ice to enjoy the tailgate atmosphere just as before.
Besides sending out letters, Strollo and other members of the athletic department are holding a meeting this Wednesday at Stambaugh Stadium at 7 p.m. to discuss their new policies with longtime fans.
Also on Wednesday from 5-6:30 p.m., Strollo will be on the Ron & amp; Casey Show on 570 AM WKBN to inform listeners and take calls regarding the new policies.