Homecoming Tailgate

Celebrating Safely Prior to the Nov. 12 Homecoming Basketball Game

The men's basketball team will host a Homecoming game at the Winthrop Coliseum on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 4 p.m. against Middle Tennessee State University. Game tickets will be available for purchase beginning Nov. 1. See details below for what to expect for tailgating at the Winthrop Coliseum on Saturday, Nov. 12. Visit the FAQ page and tailgating policy for more information.

Parking for the game/tailgating

• Parking will be cash only, $20 per vehicle, and the fee will be collected until 3:30 p.m. The increase in cost over previous years will allow Winthrop to better manage this event and will help ensure Winthrop students, alumni and fans will be provided safe, accessible parking.
• Parking attendants will collect the parking fee until 3:30 p.m. and direct participants to parking lots and/or the tailgating areas. After 3:30 p.m., parking is free.
• For those wanting to use tents to tailgate or to gather anywhere other than the South Lot, there will be 64 designated tailgating spots for $100 per spot. The $100 fee is nonrefundable.
• Based on popularity in recent years, we expect the tailgating spots to sell out, so it is important to purchase your spot before the day of the event. If spots are available on Nov. 12, you may be able to purchase one on site for the same $100 fee in cash.

Location of tailgating and reservations

• There will be three separate designated tailgating areas—alumni, students, and families—for those wishing to use tents or gather anywhere other than the South Lot. Consider which section will be most desirable for you before you purchase. The tailgating map is below; click the photo to enlarge it. 
• Each tailgate spot will be 30’x40’. Purchasing a tailgating spot also includes one parking pass (see above—a $20 value). Tailgating spots will be available for purchase beginning Thursday, Sept. 8. Visit Winthrop Athletics to view the map of tailgating areas and to make your purchase on or after Sept. 8. The map is also below; click to enlarge.
• Purchase for all tailgating spots will be on a first come, first served basis. Each tailgating purchase is limited to two spots. Please note that we encourage families or groups wishing to tailgate to purchase their space(s) in advance of Homecoming weekend to ensure availability.
• There will be a drop-off area for tailgating in the softball parking lot for those individuals who purchase a tailgating spot.
• Tailgating from individual vehicles without the use of tents will be allowed in the South parking lot only. No tents may be set up in the South parking lot. This will help ensure less crowded, safer conditions and the ability of emergency vehicles to reach all areas where students and alumni will gather.

Tailgating time

• Tailgating will be available from 10 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, rain or shine. The men’s basketball game will begin at 4 p.m. Clearing attendees from the tailgating area will begin promptly at 3:30 p.m. to allow time for participants to move into the Coliseum for the men’s basketball game or exit the event venue.

Tailgating policy and additional information

• See the tailgating policy on the Winthrop website for additional information about conduct and prohibited activities. A link to the tailgating policy and other Homecoming information may be found at winthrop.edu/homecoming.
• Additional information can also be found on the FAQ page.
• Attendees must remove their own trash from their tailgating space—whether in the parking lots or in the designated tailgating areas. If excess trash and/or other items are left in reserved spaces, the individual reserving the space may be fined. After clean up and before leaving the area, time stamp a photo of your reserved spot for your records in case you are charged a fine. Trash receptacles will be provided but bringing your own trash bags is strongly encouraged.
• There will be an information tent where attendees can request assistance relating to parking, tailgating, group or individual behavior, etc.
• Law enforcement and emergency medical personnel will be on site for the duration of tailgating and the game. Citations will be written and participants may be asked to leave if officers observe illegal activity.
• There will be food trucks at the Homecoming Tailgate in the softball parking lot to purchase food. Maki Taco will be open from 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., and Roam Local sorbet will be open from 12 - 3:30 p.m.