Syracuse (WSYR-TV) - Fans heading up to the Syracuse University football team’s next home game against Toledo in a couple of weeks should be warned that parking lots closest to the Carrier Dome are raising their rates and changing their policies.
The Syracuse Housing Authority has had enough and has begun to crack down on would-be tailgaters. However, many loyal football fans say tailgating is a tradition.
“We get ready for the game…put the SU flag on the car in the window to pick up supplies,” said fan Carrie Bradford.
Bradford and her group of friends have always tailgated before games.
“You'll see the pop up tents...to have that taken away is very disappointing,” she said.
But drinking outside violates the open container rule. And that's just one of the issues the Syracuse Housing Authority wants to deal with.
“A tradition is great and fine, but we still have to run a business here...limit our risks and liability,” said Syracuse Housing Authority Executive Director Bill Simmons.
Simmons says the policy changes are mainly a reaction to the tailgaters from the season opener.
“That first football game was a night game....conflicted with our business hours,” said Simmons.
With people tailgating longer, the Syracuse Housing Authority had to pay parking attendants and cleaning crews for more hours of work, meaning a bump in payroll.
New rules:
-Parking will now cost $15, a $5 increase
-People can only begin tailgating two hours before a game
-No alcohol allowed
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