2008 Woodie Awards
Letters to the editor
Issue date: 11/18/08 Section: Opinion
Protect the tailgate tradition
Tailgating at the university is an essential part of a football game day. Grilling, enjoying a few drinks, playing games, hanging out with friends and talking football are all things I look forward to every home game. It's an event which brings together all kinds of people, whether it's parents who come to visit their kids who are current students; alumni who come back to enjoy a game with old friends; or just people you meet while cheering for our Terps. And yet, this year has not been the same.
The tailgating situation at this university has become embarrassing. The concept of forcing everyone without a parking pass to park in a garage is absolute nonsense - it effectively ruins their chances of tailgating. The university is eliminating those who sit in the student section from tailgating because they are not able to obtain a parking pass. The alumni and local community who come to single games cannot get a parking pass, and therefore are unable to enjoy a tailgate.
The university claims it wants to have a first-class football program that can compete with other major programs. One major way to achieve that goal is to fill up Byrd Stadium every week with loud, raucous crowds. However, eliminating tailgating for many has made it very unappealing to come to games. I cannot imagine any other major football schools are making this kind of change. So I beg the university to open up the parking lots the way they have been in the past. Let fans have fun and cheer on the Terps in a sold-out game at Byrd.
Steve Myers
University Alumnus
Class of 2008
Enough politics
Two weeks have passed since the election, and I can say without a doubt that I am sick of members of both parties. I am sick of the Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) supporters who are acting like the apocalypse is going to happen the moment President-elect Barack Obama (D) is inaugurated. At the same time, I'm sick of the Obama supporters who won't move on with their lives.
Tailgating at the university is an essential part of a football game day. Grilling, enjoying a few drinks, playing games, hanging out with friends and talking football are all things I look forward to every home game. It's an event which brings together all kinds of people, whether it's parents who come to visit their kids who are current students; alumni who come back to enjoy a game with old friends; or just people you meet while cheering for our Terps. And yet, this year has not been the same.
The tailgating situation at this university has become embarrassing. The concept of forcing everyone without a parking pass to park in a garage is absolute nonsense - it effectively ruins their chances of tailgating. The university is eliminating those who sit in the student section from tailgating because they are not able to obtain a parking pass. The alumni and local community who come to single games cannot get a parking pass, and therefore are unable to enjoy a tailgate.
The university claims it wants to have a first-class football program that can compete with other major programs. One major way to achieve that goal is to fill up Byrd Stadium every week with loud, raucous crowds. However, eliminating tailgating for many has made it very unappealing to come to games. I cannot imagine any other major football schools are making this kind of change. So I beg the university to open up the parking lots the way they have been in the past. Let fans have fun and cheer on the Terps in a sold-out game at Byrd.
Steve Myers
University Alumnus
Class of 2008
Enough politics
Two weeks have passed since the election, and I can say without a doubt that I am sick of members of both parties. I am sick of the Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) supporters who are acting like the apocalypse is going to happen the moment President-elect Barack Obama (D) is inaugurated. At the same time, I'm sick of the Obama supporters who won't move on with their lives.
Submit a letter to the editor or post a comment below.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
none
posted 11/18/08 @ 1:40 PM EST
"The concept of forcing everyone without a parking pass to park in a garage is absolute nonsense - it effectively ruins their chances of tailgating."
Are you saying that the $15 pay-as-you-come lots such as XX by the Route 1 entrance are being closed down?
Post a Comment