2008 Woodie Awards
Tailgating truth
Cheryl L. Levick
Issue date: 11/21/08 Section: Opinion
Tailgating is a valued component of every football game for thousands of Terrapins fans. Maryland Athletics constantly strives to provide the best possible tailgating experience, to make the game day both enjoyable and safe for all fans. Last summer, a parking committee composed of staff members from the Department of Transportation Services, University Police and the Athletics Department initiated several new policies to improve this game-day experience.
As a member of the parking committee, I felt it was important to respond to the Steve Myers' Nov. 18 letter "Protect the Tailgate Tradition."
The new policies that were established for the 2008-'09 football season were designed to:
n reduce traffic congestion in and around College Park
n stop the increasingly common practice of taking two or three spaces for tailgates in cash lots
n minimize the number of confrontations between our fans and the fans of visiting teams
n provide an incentive for season ticket holders to join the Terrapin Club
At no time did we limit tailgating for the students, single-game attendees or local community fans. On the contrary, students who live on the campus and have a campus parking permit can park for free at every football game in designated lots, and are free to tailgate.
If you park in one of the garages, tailgating is still available, although grilling is unavailable due to fire code issues.
The student support at the games has been tremendous this year - even in rainy weather. We want that support to continue! The goal was not to limit students and fans - on the contrary, it was designed to get as many fans into the parking lots (and stands) as possible and create a true Terrapin Nation.
However, we also want a safe environment for all our fans and improved traffic flow. It is important to note that this parking/traffic plan has resulted in reduced traffic congestion, as well as fewer altercations and alcohol-related incidents in the parking lots.
In closing, we always want to listen to the concerns of the students and fans as we can always improve upon the plan for next year. To that end, we have already opened a dialogue with the Student Government Association on potential enhancements.
You can contact James Greenwell at jgreenw1@umd.com with any ideas or suggestions you may have about tailgating. Thank you.
Go Terps!
Cheryl L. Levick is the Chief of Staff/Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director. She can be reached at clevick@umd.edu.
As a member of the parking committee, I felt it was important to respond to the Steve Myers' Nov. 18 letter "Protect the Tailgate Tradition."
The new policies that were established for the 2008-'09 football season were designed to:
n reduce traffic congestion in and around College Park
n stop the increasingly common practice of taking two or three spaces for tailgates in cash lots
n minimize the number of confrontations between our fans and the fans of visiting teams
n provide an incentive for season ticket holders to join the Terrapin Club
At no time did we limit tailgating for the students, single-game attendees or local community fans. On the contrary, students who live on the campus and have a campus parking permit can park for free at every football game in designated lots, and are free to tailgate.
If you park in one of the garages, tailgating is still available, although grilling is unavailable due to fire code issues.
The student support at the games has been tremendous this year - even in rainy weather. We want that support to continue! The goal was not to limit students and fans - on the contrary, it was designed to get as many fans into the parking lots (and stands) as possible and create a true Terrapin Nation.
However, we also want a safe environment for all our fans and improved traffic flow. It is important to note that this parking/traffic plan has resulted in reduced traffic congestion, as well as fewer altercations and alcohol-related incidents in the parking lots.
In closing, we always want to listen to the concerns of the students and fans as we can always improve upon the plan for next year. To that end, we have already opened a dialogue with the Student Government Association on potential enhancements.
You can contact James Greenwell at jgreenw1@umd.com with any ideas or suggestions you may have about tailgating. Thank you.
Go Terps!
Cheryl L. Levick is the Chief of Staff/Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director. She can be reached at clevick@umd.edu.
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Jon
posted 11/21/08 @ 3:47 PM EST
Why didn't this op-ed include any biographical information on Mardy Shualy, or contact information for him? Instead, we have a bio and e-mailed address for Cheryl L. (Continued…)
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