All tailgate lots for the 2025 season will open at the time listed below. Any unattended vehicles parked from midnight to 7:00 a.m. or in a line leading to a parking lot are subject to ticketing or will be towed. Signage will be visible in tailgate lots designating tailgate rules and procedures.
Sept. 6 vs. Morehead State - 1:00 p.m.
Sept. 20 vs. North Alabama (Family Weekend) - 7:00 a.m.
Oct. 4 vs. North Dakota State - 1:00 p.m.
Oct. 18 vs. Youngstown State (Homecoming) - 7:00 a.m.
Nov. 1 vs. Northern Iowa - 9:00 a.m.
Nov. 22 vs. Southern Illinois - 7:00 a.m.
All football tailgating lots will close at kickoff of each game.
Football Tailgating
Football Tailgating lots are designated as:
Donor Lots (donors with Weisbecker Athletic Fund passes)
G-64
G-73
G-83
F-62
F-64
F-83
Public Lots (Pay per car, tailgating permitted)
G-53
G-82
G/U-91
F-43
S-81
*U-91 and F-43 will only be open for the following game: Sept. 20
Public Lots (Pay per car, no tailgating permitted)
NUG-North University Street Parking Garage
RV Area (Pay per RV, no overnight parking)
G-81
Tailgating for Other Outdoor Athletic Events (i.e., Soccer, Baseball, Softball)
Only Lot G-81 may be used for tailgating for Soccer, Baseball, and/or Softball home games.
*Go to GoRedbirds.com, or www.parking.illinoisstate.edu, to access a tailgate map.
RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR ALL ATHLETIC TAILGATING EVENTS
The Illinois State University Police Department will strictly enforce state and federal laws and regulations, applicable University policies and procedures and the following rules during all tailgating events:
1. The University permits tailgating in designated areas only.
2. Under no circumstances shall persons under 21 years of age be served, sold, have possession of, or consume alcoholic beverages.
3. Any use of cannabis is prohibited on University property under the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act. This prohibition is not altered by the state law regarding the use of cannabis.
4. Concealed Carry is prohibited during all tailgating events in accordance with University Policy 5.1.1.
5. Violation of any laws may result in arrest.
6. Portable toilets will be made available by the University in the tailgating lots. No visitors or tailgaters may bring portable toilets, platforms, stages or other structures, unless approved in advance by the Athletics Department.
7. Glass bottles and kegs are prohibited. Party balls, bongs, funnels and any device used to increase consumption of alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the tailgate areas.
8. All tailgating equipment/supplies/games must be kept behind any painted emergency access lanes (red lines), and may not block adjacent parking spaces, sidewalks, or impede driving aisles.
9. All tailgaters are responsible for proper disposal of trash and other debris such as charcoal. Trash containers will be provided in tailgating areas. The disposal of grease, hot coals or hazardous materials onto the grounds or into storm drains is prohibited. Any person damaging University property will be responsible for the cost of repairs; including damage to grass from cooking grease.
10. No open containers of alcoholic beverages are allowed outside the designated tailgate areas. Violators are subject to fines by the Town of Normal/University Police and/or Illinois State University students may also be subject to discipline under the Code of Student Conduct.
11. No open fires, including fire pits, are allowed. Charcoal and/or propane grills are allowed. Charcoal must be self-lighting.
12. All tailgaters and spectators must conduct themselves in ways to insure the safety and enjoyment of others. Abusive and/or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.
13. All Illinois State University students are subject to the University’s Code of Student Conduct. Failure to comply with this procedure, the Code of Student Conduct, or University official directives, policies and/or procedures may result in immediate removal from the premises, arrest, prosecution, and/or University disciplinary action.
14. All arrangements and reservations for tent space in the Football Tent Zone must be made through the Sales Office in the Illinois State Athletics Department. Registered Student Organizations official tailgates must be held in the University’s designated tent zone only and must be pre-approved in accordance with the Dean of Students alcohol procedures for events.
15. The University permits Tailgating participants to use tents to enhance their enjoyment of the event. However, tents may not interfere with vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic. Tents in Lots F83, G64 and F64 may not occupy a space reserved for a vehicle(s). In Lots G83, G73, and F62 tents MAY occupy a reserved space. The University will not be liable for damage caused by displaced tents.
16. The use of sound amplification devices is prohibited without appropriate pre-approval required by University Policy 6.1.13 Sound Amplification.
17. Any sales or solicitations must be approved by the Athletics Department and must be conducted in compliance with all University policies, including the University Facility and Space Use Policy, and applicable laws. Solicitation refers to canvassing, soliciting or seeking to obtain membership in or support for any organization, requesting contributions, and posting or distributing any materials (as defined below) on University property or using University resources (including but not limited to bulletin boards, postings, postcards, chalking, leaflets, computers, mail, e-mail and telecommunications systems, photocopiers, fax, telephone lists and network systems, and databases, supplies or other workplace equipment). Requests to solicit at athletic events must be submitted in writing one week in advance of the event. Contact the Redbird Sports Properties at (309) 438-4048 to submit your request. Requests not approved by the Athletic Department one week in advance of the event will be denied.
18. Smoking and/or tobacco use is prohibited on all campus property, including buildings, grounds and parking lots.
Questions regarding this procedure may be directed to the Illinois State Athletic Department at (309) 438-8000.
Thank you for your cooperation! Go You Redbirds!
