PART 1: PURPOSE AND DEFINITION OF TAILGATE STATION

1. This rule identifies the officials authorized to review and approve tailgating activities, including the issuance of supplemental tailgating regulations. This rule is promulgated for the safety and welfare of the university community and the public during tailgating activities, which are designed to promote Aggie spirit and community engagement.
2. As an exception to RPM 16.60, Responsible Alcohol Use, pre-approval or a permit will not be required of participants who consume alcohol within an authorized Tailgate Station before or after an NMSU sporting event, provided participants are compliant with this rule and supplemental regulations, as well with requirements imposed by the host or sponsor of the Tailgate Station, if any.
3. For purposes of this policy, a “tailgate station” is defined as a gathering of fewer than 200 people, assigned to particular parking spaces assigned in accordance with the tailgating regulations.

PART 2: LARGE GROUPS SUBJECT TO RPM 16.60

When attendance at a tailgating activity is reasonably expected to attracted 200 or more individuals, it will not qualify for this exception, and sponsors or hosts must comply with the university’s policies, rules and procedures applicable to special events. Special events require a Special Dispenser’s License, as required by state law. See RPM 16.60, Responsible Use of Alcohol. Sponsors or hosts or a tailgate station approved to host a large group in accordance with RPM 16.60 may still use the term “tailgate” in promotional activities. For an Application and Instructions, please contact the chair of the Alcohol Review Committee at 575-646-5752.

PART 3: DESIGNATION OF OFFICIALS IN CHARGE; AUTHORIZATION OF TAILGATING REGULATIONS

1. The NMSU athletics director, the assistant vice president for facilities, the director of special events, and the NMSU chief of police will be collectively referred to as the officials in charge.
2. The officials in charge are authorized to decide, by unanimous consent, the dates, times and locations in which the limited consumption of alcohol will be permitted during authorized tailgating activities. The supplemental regulations will detail the permitted tailgating activities. The regulations may be updated and amended periodically. The officials in charge may also address other issues, not relating to the consumption of alcohol, in the tailgating regulations, for the maintenance of safety and order during tailgating activities.
3. The officials in charge and their designees will administer and enforce university policies and rules, including the supplemental regulations. In recognition of the fact that it is not possible to anticipate every possible scenario that might occur, the officials in charge are delegated the authority to exercise their discretion in the action they take, consistent with the policies, rule and regulations. The officials in charge may utilize NMSU employees and/or authorize volunteers to provide additional assistance as lot monitors in each tailgate lot/area designated for the consumption of alcohol.

PART 5: NOTICE TO PUBLIC

The tailgating regulations, including a map reflecting the areas authorized for tailgating activities and/or for the consumption of alcohol, will be made available to the public via link above from this rule (See Cross References in Details Section), as well as may be linked from appropriate departmental websites (e.g. NMSU Athletics; Facilities & Services). See NMSU Event Info

PART 6: SAFETY PRECAUTIONS RELATING TO ALCOHOL

In addition to RPM 16.60, Responsible Alcohol Use; ARP 16.60 – Permitted Alcohol on NMSU Premises, and the supplemental tailgating regulations adopted by the officials in charge, the following safety precautions specifically apply to tailgating activities.

1. Glass containers shall not be used for the activities allowed by this section. Persons with glass container(s) in locations designated for tailgating will be asked to leave with the container or to discard the glass container(s). Other administrative or criminal action may also be taken, as appropriate under the circumstances (e.g. criminal citation for Minor in Possession, disciplinary action under the NMSU Student Social Code of Conduct).
2. Alcoholic beverages must not be taken into the Aggie Memorial Stadium, the Fulton Center, the Pan American Center, the Corbett Center Student Union, Presley Askew Field Baseball Complex, the softball complex, or any other location where an alcohol license is active. For purposes of this section, the listed athletic facilities include the seating areas, concessions, restrooms, concourses, locker rooms, practice fields/gyms/areas, press box and all other space within the bleachers and fields inside the fence or structure requiring admission by ticket holding patrons. Private parties may be arranged within these facilities when done in accordance with RPM16.60, and they are not considered tailgating.