Sideline Student Safety Zone rides again for FLA.-GA. game

October 22, 2007

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Students once again will have a safe haven available in Jacksonville during this weekend’s Florida/Georgia football game.

Launched last year, the Sideline Student Safety Zone, organized by the University of Florida, the University of Georgia and the city of Jacksonville, will be open Friday and Saturday in and near The Jacksonville Landing.

Students and others can find basic medical help and first aid, telephone service, water, coffee, snacks and computer access, and can track down missing friends. Transportation will be available in the form of taxi service and complimentary trolleys.

The Zone will be staffed by student affairs personnel from the two universities as well as staff and volunteers from the city of Jacksonville. Jacksonville police will have increased presence on Saturday night, and UF police officers also will be on duty.

The goal is to reduce the possibility of accidents and violence that have marred celebrations during the game weekend over the past several years, including the deaths of two UF students.

Gene Zdziarski, UF’s assistant vice president for student affairs and dean of students, stressed that students who have had too much to drink and seek assistance at the Zone should not worry about being punished with legal action for alcohol issues.

“We’re not there for that. We’re there strictly to help people who need it,” he said.

Sideline Student Safety Zone locations will be behind Starbucks inside The Jacksonville Landing, outside the Landing at the intersection of Laura Street and Independent Drive, and behind the Welcome Center across from Jacksonville Municipal Stadium.

All three locations will be open from 4 p.m. Friday to 3 a.m. Saturday, and from noon Saturday to 3 a.m. Sunday.

Zdziarski offered several safety tips for students attending the game, including traveling in groups, staying in high-traffic areas, choosing a designated driver, and taking a cab or trolley if necessary.

“We want everyone to have a great time at the game, come home safe and sound and be in class Monday morning,” he said.