Football fans invited to alcohol-free tailgater

October 10, 2014

GAINESVILLE, Fla. --- University of Florida fans and Louisiana State University fans will come together Saturday for the third annual Greater Gator Tailgater. 

From noon to 4 p.m. on the Student Health Care Center front lawn on Fletcher Drive, fans can stop by for free food, games, and to watch the pre-game show on a big screen television.  This is an alcohol-free tailgate hosted by several campus partners including the Student Health Care Center, GatorWell Health Promotion Services, Counseling and Wellness Center, Dean of Students Office, department of recreational sports, Off Campus Life and University Police Department.

The choice to make this tailgate a non-alcoholic event came from the Campus Alcohol and Drug Education Policy Committee.  The committee wanted to show that alcohol does not have to be involved in game day tailgating in order to still have fun.  The committee also wanted to provide a place for all fans who want to take part in traditional tailgate activities such as food, cornhole, and other games but without consuming alcohol and potentially experiencing the associated negative consequences. 

The event, held for the past few fall semesters, has been a huge success with over 1,000 fans in attendance each year.  The overwhelming support and positive feedback received from the past two annual events provided the committee the reinforcement needed to make this a new Game Day tradition.