New, existing policies aim to make game day safer, more enjoyable

Photo: Annemarie Mountz Tailgates set up in grass lots near Beaver Stadium

University Park, Pa. — With the 2009 football season nearly here, fans visiting Beaver Stadium for game days are being asked to follow a new policy, as well as some recently implemented regulations, to ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience.

New for 2009, glass bottles and containers are not allowed in any of the grass parking lots at Penn State. Not only is broken glass difficult to clean up in grassy areas, it also provides a significant safety hazard to the children and others who play in these lots on game day, students who use the fields for intramural sports and the animals who use these areas as pastoral lands at other times.

Fans are also reminded that the consumption of alcohol during the game at tailgates in the lots around Beaver Stadium is no longer permitted, a policy enacted in 2006. Alcohol is not permitted inside Beaver Stadium at any time.

"Our goal is to maintain a safe, fun atmosphere for the many fans who visit campus on game day," said Steve Shelow, director of University Police. "We have policies such as these to help make sure everyone can enjoy the fun."

Additionally, in accordance with Pennsylvania law, smoking is no longer permitted inside the perimeter fence of Beaver Stadium. The law, the Clean Indoor Air Act (CIAA), enacted in 2008, names the Department of Health as the Commonwealth agency responsible for implementing the regulations through education and enforcement.

Penn State began stepping up education of the law at Blue White Weekend in April. Increased signage, stadium announcements and staff will remind patrons of the law. Violators could be subject to removal from the stadium, and possible loss of ticket privileges.

Anyone wishing to smoke during the game outside of the stadium is reminded that no re-entry is allowed for any reason.