Reading that tailgating won’t happen at the National Football Championship game was initially dumbfounding. Tailgating and football go hand in hand. It’s as much a national pastime, as it is a regular happening at football games pro and college. So while some were quick to incorrectly blame the ownership of SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, the New York Post reports that it was really the College Football Playoff committee that made the call.
As I read a few articles about it, I saw all the heat that’s being generated around the decision, but few reasons why. In the absence of those facts I can only come up with two reasons. MONEY and SAFETY.
College bowl games are put on by host committees which have to meet their financial obligations to the stadium, and to the teams. Bowl games can make lots of money, but every dollar counts. That means costs get looked at so closely that each and every way money can be made is looked at, and every expense analyzed.
While tailgate passes could be sold, the reality is the costs to secure the parking lots to prevent fights from breaking out are there. Also no one wants a black eye from what might happen in the parking lot when the real battle is on the field.
To prevent problems in the parking lots the event and venue would have to arrange for added security. That’s a big cost. And given where SoFi Stadium is located, it’s not exactly Bel-Air.
Then there is the possible loss of food and beverage revenue inside the stadium, which the event usually receives a share of. There’s also the beer sponsors who have the pouring rights, who want to see sales inside to the patrons, so by eliminating the tailgate the first time the fans can whet their whistle is inside SoFi Stadium.
The biggest reason though is likely something that is just pure fact. The legal drinking age in California is 21. College football games attract fans of all ages, but for the most part college students are under 21 years of age. A tailgate in the parking lot would more than likely include beer and other alcohol, and the whole age verification issue. Add in the “party” atmosphere a bowl game has, the risks are high. Very high.
By eliminating tailgating, the host committee is avoiding the problems, mitigating the risks associated with underage drinking, and the possible spill over inside, in the stands.
While it sounds on the surface like banning tailgating is wrong, the committee and stadium leadership should actually be commended, because the decision is likely headed off any number of problems that would be more costly than just money.