FAQ
General
Why did UGA implement the Gameday Gameplan?
The vast majority of UGA fans conduct themselves appropriately on game day. In recent years, the increased support and attendance on gamedays has led to more safety concerns and damage to the campus.
The Gameday Gameplan will change very little for most Bulldog fans and will help ensure a safe and fun environment for everyone who comes to a game.
What sort of safety concerns do these regulations address?
Parking on sidewalks is a good example. When cars are parked on the sidewalk, pedestrians are pushed into the street and into the path of vehicle traffic. This is especially dangerous after games, when 90,000 or more fans are leaving the stadium.
This also makes it difficult for emergency vehicles – ambulances, fire trucks – to get to the scene if they are needed.
Is there handicapped parking available?
In accordance with federal law, two percent of all parking spaces on the UGA campus are set aside for the handicapped and disabled parking. Every lot has a certain number of handicapped and disabled parking spaces. For information about handicapped and disabled parking in an Athletic Association permitted lot, please call (706) 542-9003. Handicap and disabled parking on the intramural fields is discouraged due to uneven terrain.
Are any other SEC or National schools doing this?
Yes, almost all SEC schools have similar plans, and have had them for several years. In fact, Georgia’s plan is very consistent with other schools’ plans, and not as restrictive as some. At Tennessee, for example, all campus parking is by permit only. Florida, prohibits open containers of alcohol on campus. LSU does not allow tents to be set up before 7 a.m. on game day, limits the size of tents and requires that they be taken down before the game. Other schools, such as Auburn, Kentucky, and Mississippi State, have taken similar measures.
Nationally, Notre Dame does not allow set-up before 7:30, prohibits tents and charcoal grills and does not allow tailgating during the game. Other national schools to address these issues are Texas A&M, the University of North Carolina, and the University of Michigan.
Tailgating
Where are restrooms located on gameday?
Portable restrooms will be set up around campus. In addition, permanent restrooms are available at five buildings on campus – Boyd Graduate Studies Building, Tate Center, Student Learning Center and East Village Commons.
I usually set up my tailgate on Friday night and come back on Saturday. What’s the problem with that?
The campus is home to our students, and fans should show the same courtesy to them that they would expect in their own homes and backyards.
By our count, only about 250 people have set up tailgates before 7 a.m. on game day, so the number of people affected is very small compared to the size of the gameday crowd.
Does the fact that I can’t set up a tailgate before 7 a.m. on gameday prevent me from coming onto campus before that time?
Fans will still be able to arrive early on campus and park their cars in legal spaces as long as they do not begin creating noise and setting up their tailgate equipment before 7 a.m.
There is also a pre-paid parking plan for several of the parking decks on campus. Fans will get information about the plan when their tickets arrive. Fans will be allowed to purchase a ticket book, guaranteeing them a spot in the deck of their choice, regardless of when they arrive.
Additionally, the intramural fields across College Station will be made available for overflow parking, with shuttle buses running to Gate 6.
Where can I set up if I have a corporate tailgate?
Large groups of people are certainly not prohibited from tailgating together, as long as they don’t infringe on the tailgates of others or impair the free flow of traffic. Activities that would constitute a “ corporate” or “professional” tailgate include, but are not limited to fencing, advertising banners, private security, bartenders, sales of alcohol, and a charge for admission. Those who wish to organize “corporate” and “professional” tailgates should contact the Georgia Sports Properties at 706-354-4685 for information concerning designated corporate areas. Additional large group parking and tailgating may be available through other private lot owners around campus.
Where can I get power for my TV?
We recommend that you use your vehicle to power any audio or video equipment. AC converters can be purchased at most electronics stores. Generators are not prohibited, but are not recommended as they present many safety hazards.
How is alcohol consumption managed on gamedays?
Legal and responsible consumption of alcohol is allowed on campus on gamedays other than in the family-friendly area on North Campus. Please note, there are 17 city streets that run through campus and are under the jurisdiction of Athens-Clarke County Government regulations, which includes an ordinance banning open containers of alcoholic beverages.
Parking
Are there free lots on campus during gamedays and which should I use?
Yes. There are free spaces scattered throughout campus. The highest concentration of free spaces is at the East Campus area around the Ramsey Center. This includes free parking in the East Campus Parking Deck and the East Village Parking Deck. Once the available spaces are exhausted in those areas, additional overflow parking will be made available at the Intramural Fields across College Station Road.
Where can I find information about parking and traffic on gameday?
The University has set up an AM frequency at 1650 AM that will provide recorded information that runs continuously concerning traffic and parking issues. In the case of an emergency, the police will interrupt the recording with live information to assist fans.
Where can I get information on parking decks?
As in prior years, Parking Services will offer a season-long parking permit at four locations on campus including South Campus Parking Deck, North Campus Parking Deck, Carlton Street Parking Deck, and limited spaces in Hull Street Parking Deck. Permits will guarantee you a space in the parking deck you have chosen and will be sold on a first come, first served basis. The cost of a season-long parking permit will be $120.00 ($20 per home game), plus shipping and handling. It is anticipated that the sale of these permits will open on July 7, 2008.
It seems that every year, more and more parking lots where people used to tailgate are unavailable because of construction, are there enough spaces to handle gameday parking on campus?
To a certain extent, yes. UGA is constructing facilities, such as the Student Center Expansion near the stadium and the Dodd School of Art on East Campus, to serve mission-critical academic needs. In advance of such construction projects, parking decks are built to replace any surface parking spaces that will be lost. This ensures the most valuable use of campus space for academic purposes.
There are more than enough parking spaces on and around campus to meet the demand on gamedays. Also, by ensuring that cars park properly (one car, one space), more cars are allowed to park in their desired lots.
Can I have a grill in the parking deck?
No, grills and other flammable devices are not allowed in the parking deck. They are a fire hazard and are prohibited. We ask that you set up your grill in an open area outside the deck.
May we save spaces for others within a lot?
No. All parking on campus (other than those controlled by the Athletic Department or pre-sold in parking decks) is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Can I park my trailer in a valid parking space?
Yes. But trailers cannot be parked on sidewalks or in vegetative areas.
Is there a charge to park in the parking decks on East Campus?
No. Both parking decks and surface lots on East Campus will remain free of charge.
Where can I set up my tailgate within a parking lot?
Most parking lots are surrounded by grassy areas where fans can set up their tailgate. In addition, chairs that are easily moveable can be set up on sidewalks, as long as they allow the free passage of pedestrians through the area. Inside a parking lot, all tailgates should keep travel lanes open for vehicle traffic and should not take up, or block access to, other parking spaces.
Intramural Field Parking
Will there again be parking on the intramural fields?
Yes. Due to the limited space on campus, there may be a need to park cars on the intramural fields. The intramural fields will only be used for parking after all spaces on East Campus have been exhausted. Once that point is reached, attendants will direct people across College Station Road to the fields.
Once the game ends, how long can I keep my car on the intramural fields?
Fans parking at the Intramural Fields are asked to remove their cars no later than four hours after the game ends. Cars remaining after that time will be towed at the owner’s expense.
Can I tailgate on the Intramural Fields?
Yes, we encourage fans to tailgate responsibly on the intramural fields. Please follow the lead of parking attendants, bag all of your trash, and refrain from using glass, sharp objects, or other items that might damage the fields or cause harm to those who use the fields year-round. Also, staff from the Athens-Clarke County Recycling Division will provide bags and containers for recycling purposes. The intramural field complex provides recreational opportunities for more than 30,000 students and it is critical that we protect the fields and the students who use them. In the event of rain on gameday or in the days leading up to the game, the fields may not be available for tailgating or parking purposes.
Check back for information on field availability the Friday before the game in the event of rain.
Will parking at the Intramural Fields cut back on the spots available to RVs?
No, the spots for general vehicles at the Intramural Fields for RV’s will be unaffected. The general parking in the area will be in a different section of the Intramural Fields. For more information on RV parking, please contact Prestige Parking.
Why did you decide to use some of the intramural fields for parking?
The decision to make the four softball fields adjacent to East Campus Road (fields 2,3,4 and 5) available for football parking was made only after careful consideration. Please refer to this link for a map reference.
After monitoring gameday procedures for several years, we have made a few changes in gameday parking policy. To improve safety and allow for emergency vehicle access, parking will no longer be allowed on sidewalks and landscaped areas near most campus buildings, including student housing and academic facilities. As a result, it was necessary to provide alternative parking options. Given the lack of surface area parking and large open areas close to campus, the softball fields emerged as an option. After reviewing the situation with a turf specialist and consulting with other institutions, we reached the conclusion that these four fields could be used without significant damage to the turf. Please note that the other five fields at the intramural complex – including the rugby field along College Station Road, the field adjacent to the lake often used for ultimate frisbee, and all the fields near the tennis courts towards the back of the complex – will not be open for gameday parking. These are fields 1, 6, 7, 8, and 9 on the map linked above.
The four fields and bathrooms will be thoroughly cleaned the morning after each game, and in the event of significant rainfall, the fields will not be used. Additional trash bins and portable toilets will be provided, and signage will make it clear that trash is not to be left on the fields. The fields will be staffed with parking attendants and police officers to ensure that these rules are followed.
Costs for repairs, cleaning, or anything else associated with this decision will be borne fully by the University; the Recreational Sports Department will not be responsible for any costs.
We recognize that this isn’t a perfect solution. But, we do believe it is a reasonable compromise that will enhance the gameday experience for everyone without significant impact on recreational sports facilities. That said, we will continue to evaluate the situation on a game-to-game and season-to-season basis. If you have any further questions, feel free to e-mail info@gamedaygameplan.com.
Traffic
If I don’t normally take the Loop, how do I get where I want to go?
The Georgia 10 Loop circles Athens, much like I-285 does Atlanta. Many times, the direction you are used to taking actually takes longer, based on traffic flow. That is why law enforcement in the area will be positioned at points around the loop to direct traffic. Also, signs will help to direct fans to their desired destination. To view interactive maps of the area, as well as alternate routes to common destinations. Cars will not be “forced” onto the loop if they are on a major artery leaving Athens.
How can I get traffic information on gameday?
Signs will be posted throughout the city directing people in and out of town. This will include multiple LED signs on the Loop. Also, tune into AM 1650 for recorded traffic and emergency information. In case of emergency, law enforcement officers will alert the public through this frequency.
How will the recent parking changes improve traffic?
The changes on campus in recent years will positively impact traffic in a multitude of ways. First of all, the new regulations will move cars off sidewalks and into a proper parking space. With the sidewalks open for pedestrians, they can get out of the streets, allowing for a much smoother flow of post-game traffic. Second, proper parking allows easier exit from the parking lots and decks. Finally, more staff and signage on and around campus will help move traffic, getting fans out of town in an orderly manner.
Family-Friendly Area
How was the Family-Friendly area selected?
For the past several years, the University has received a number of requests from fans for an area where families with young children could enjoy the gameday experience and not have to be worried about what their children might be exposed to. The areas designated as Family-Friendly (see map) is a small portion of the total campus, and is a statement that UGA is committed to a gameday atmosphere that is safe and enjoyable for everyone.
It is important to remember that the North Campus quad is one of the most historic pieces of real estate in the state of Georgia, and designating it a family-friendly area will help preserve and protect the environment in what is the original heart of the University of Georgia.
What is the alcohol policy in the “Family-Friendly” area?
Alcohol is not permitted in the “Family-Friendly” area. Fans are not allowed to set up any sort of tailgate with coolers or other large containers of alcoholic beverages in this area. In addition, any fans who are inebriated or causing a disruption will be escorted out of the area.
Will there be a charge for the “Family-Friendly” area?
No, the “Family-Friendly” areas will be free to fans of all ages.