Contact: Maridith Geuder
STARKVILLE, Miss.--Following an increased number of fan reports that tailgating items have been missing after MSU home games, the university's Game Day Committee has held special meetings to learn more about the issues and to discuss prevention measures.
"Gameday is meant to be a time of fellowship and fun, adding to the excitement of an at-home game," said Jim Jones, chair of the campus committee. "We regret that individuals report their belongings have been taken without their permission."
With more than 50,000 fans attending most home games, Jones says the university is unable to monitor tailgate tents, supplies or equipment before, during or after games, even with nearly 100 uniformed police officers on duty. "Our officers will certainly pay increased attention to anything that looks unauthorized, but we unfortunately can't ensure that unattended items will be safe," Jones said.
"The best prevention for ensuring the safety of personal items is to personally safeguard them by designating someone to be present at the tailgate area," he noted.
To discourage unauthorized use of personal possessions, the university plans to install strategically located cameras around tailgate areas, but the committee continues to urge tailgaters to monitor their own belongings.
"We urge our fans not to leave tailgate supplies and equipment unattended and never to leave them overnight," Jones said. Those who suspect that an unauthorized person is removing supplies should report the time and location to campus police at 662-325-2121.