Extended tailgating, clear bags now allowed at MSU home football games this fall
The Michigan State football fan experience will be improved this fall.
MSU announced Monday that tailgating hours will be extended and clear bags will be allowed inside Spartan Stadium for all home football games beginning this fall.
"We are excited to host our loyal, passionate fans once again for an exciting home schedule at Spartan Stadium," said MSU Athletic Director Alan Haller in the announcement. "These are two steps in our unwavering commitment to improve the gameday fan experience."
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The new tailgating hours will begin at 7 a.m. for games that kickoff between noon and 4 p.m. Before, lots opened at 7 a.m. for noon kickoffs and nine a.m. for kickoffs that were at 3:30 or 4 p.m.
Lots will now open at 11 a.m. for night games (7 p.m. or 8 p.m. kickoffs) where in previous years they did not open until 1 p.m. The release says this only applies to games on Saturdays, which excludes the Friday, Sept. 3 season opener against Western Michigan.
This comes on the heels of the introductions of House Bill 6289 and Senate Bill 1125, bi-partisan bills that would allow alcohol sales at college sporting events in Michigan.
Of the 14 teams currently in the Big Ten, eight already allow alcohol sales inside the stadium. The Free Press reached out to Haller for comment on the announcement of these bills, but the request was not returned.
Fans will also be allowed to bring clear bags into Spartan Stadium — previously no bags were allowed. The following are the requirements for the bag
Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC that is 12" x 6" x 12" or smaller
A one-gallon clear freezer bag (ziploc or similar)
A small "clutch bag", camera or binocular cases, with or without a strap, that does not exceed 4.5" by 6.5"
The release goes onto say that there can be exceptions "for medically necessary, childcare or dietary items after proper inspection".
Bags that meet the requirements will be available to purchase at a number of 'Sparty's Locker Room' locations surrounding Spartan Stadium.
Contact Tony Garcia at apgarcia@freepress.com. Follow him on twitter at @realtonygarcia.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Tailgating hours to be extended for home MSU football games this fall.
