Reactor restricted for tailgaters
by Kielly Jewell, Sept. 9, 2009
Game day in Columbia is a unique experience. The city swells with black and gold clad visitors and the aroma of barbecue wafts through the air. Every fall, alumni, fans, students and general sports enthusiasts gather for a day full of celebration and anticipation for the upcoming Mizzou Tiger football game.
This year, however, there will be one less parking lot full of revelers and tailgaters. The University of Missouri Athletic Department recently released a statement saying the Reactor Field parking area will be closed to the general public for the upcoming football season. The athletic department said over the last few years, this lot has become an area of concern.
“While we promote a great family atmosphere at our games, it has come to our attention that some folks have identified Reactor Lot as an area to have large parties and promote irresponsible behavior before, during and after our games,” said Mike Alden, University of Missouri athletic director, in a statement posted on the athletic department’s Web site.
As a result of this inappropriate behavior, only media, game day employees and staff are allowed to park in this area with a designated parking pass for the 2009 season. This change is also supported by the MU Police Department and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.
“It’s the police department’s job to enforce the rules that are put in place, and that is what we will do,” said Capt. Brian Weimer of the MUPD.
In the past patrons were charged $15 to park in the 800-space Reactor Lot. With the new restriction, the athletic department and parking services will lose all of those potential profits. University officials believe that by closing the lot to the public, they will curb the inappropriate behavior; but those fans will only move to another spot.
Around campus, various groups of students are already talking about new tailgating locations.
“What was the point of building the parking lot, if not for the public to use?” said Kelsey Cornell, MU freshman. “The students are just going to find another place to party.”
In 2010, according to the University of Missouri Official Athletic Site, Reactor Lot will be reserved for qualified donors of the Tiger Scholarship Fund who purchase season-long parking passes.
