TheTandD.com | Gamezone: S.C. State creates paid area for tailgating

Gamezone: S.C. State creates paid area for tailgating

By LEE TANT, T&D Staff Writer Sunday, June 07, 2009

Bulldog football fans are going to need a ticket if they want to get close to Oliver C. Dawson Stadium on game days this fall.

South Carolina State University is implementing a policy establishing a “Gamezone” surrounding the stadium where patrons will have to pay for parking and must have a ticket to gain entry.

President Dr. George Cooper said the zone will generate revenue for the university during tight financial times. In addition, he believes it will cut down on loitering and get more fans into the stands.

Board Chairman Lumus Byrd said more fans need to go inside the stadium, which has the capacity to hold 24,500 people, instead of tailgating.

“The program is well funded but poorly supported. We have to start running this like a business,” he said.

A fenced-in perimeter will be placed around the zone. It will extend from the Chestnut Street side of campus to the end of Mitchell and Felton Fields.

Five kiosks are going to be outside of the zone where tickets can be purchased. Special parking passes for the zone must be purchased in advance. Cars entering from Russell and Magnolia streets will be charged $5 to park on campus.

Athletics Director Charlene Johnson said a no-ticket, no-entry policy will apply.

Fans inside the zone that choose not to go inside the stadium will have the option of watching the Bulldogs play on a video screen, Johnson said.

State Rep. Jerry Govan, D-Orangeburg, an S.C. State alumnus, thinks any policy should keep local supporters in mind.

He says that will not only boost fan loyalty but “build support for other areas of the university.”

Trustee Dr. Shirley Martin echoed Govan’s sentiment, saying S.C. State should market the football team locally.

She opposed the zone idea during Thursday’s board retreat, calling it “a mechanism to alienate people.”

Fellow trustee Lance Wright said other schools, such as the University of South Carolina xnd Clemson, employ similar practices with their parking around stadiums.

“It’s a part of football,” Wright said.

Meanwhile, trustee Dr. Walter L. Tobin thinks the change should bring more control to the games. During his years attending Bulldog games, he’s noticed many people are there just to be there.

Tobin is one of the founders of the STATE Club, a non-profit organization that supports Bulldog athletics.

Johnson said she met with STATE Club members and hasn’t received any negative feedback on the zone.

Calls to several STATE Club members were not immediately returned.

Incoming S.C. State National Alumni President Nathaniel Howard supports the zone idea. He feels fans should support the team by purchasing a ticket.

T&D Staff Writer Lee Tant can be reached by email at ltant@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-534-1060. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

THE NEW RULES

A perimeter called the Gamezone will be established around Oliver C. Dawson Stadium extending from Chestnut Street to the end of Mitchell and Felton Fields.

To enter the Gamezone, a patron must purchase a ticket to the football game.

Anyone entering campus from the Pinkney/Russell streets or Magnolia St./U.S. 601 will be charged $5 to park on campus outside the Gamezone. Faculty, staff and student decals will be honored only at these entry points.

Fans coming into S.C. State by car from Buckley/Russell streets, Buckley/Goff streets or Chestnut Street/Highway 21 Bypass can purchase a season parking pass to park at Mitchell or Felton Fields for $75. Additional parking in the Gamezone is available for $10 on a first-come, first-served basis. Different parking prices will apply for Homecoming. Every person in a vehicle must have a ticket.

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88 comment(s)

The following comments are reader submitted. They do not represent the views of The T&D or Lee Enterprises.

melly wrote on Jun 12, 2009 11:10 PM:

" That should have read:

I am a State Club member and I didn't received notification of this meeting. "

melly wrote on Jun 12, 2009 10:35 PM:

" Johnson said she met with STATE Club members and hasn’t received any negative feedback on the zone.

I am a State Club member and I did received notification of this meetings. "

2ndGenerationBulldog wrote on Jun 12, 2009 9:37 PM:

" For instance: A club will hold a line to make it look like a bunch of people are trying to get in. That thinking is needed to attract people to join in the fun. "

2ndGenerationBulldog wrote on Jun 12, 2009 9:35 PM:

" Instead of making the GameZone an exclusive area, it actually would be better to be inclusive with more than some dang monitors. Make it a fun zone. You have to attract people! "

2ndGenerationBulldog wrote on Jun 12, 2009 9:34 PM:

" Benefits: I know. But the town makes little concessions for SCSU. But back to the point. The reason is obvious. Again, plenty people tailgate at USC games who were never students. "

iceman4221 wrote on Jun 12, 2009 7:08 PM:

" Please note: $$$ spent on hotels, restaurants, gas, meals, etc, in Orangeburg SC does not benefit SCSU, it benefits the merchants, not the University, nor the ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT... "

iceman4221 wrote on Jun 12, 2009 6:45 PM:

" will no longer come on "The Yard" for their "Block Party" anymore...

I say, "Mission Accomplished, Dr Cooper!"

"loitering" - to remain in an area for no obvious reason "

iceman4221 wrote on Jun 12, 2009 6:29 PM:

" But Non-Financial supporters will stay away...

Party animals that park & grill but don't pay for parking, a football ticket, or otherwise give $$$ to SC State "

iceman4221 wrote on Jun 12, 2009 6:21 PM:

" Some support the school financially, BUT may only come to games to socialize/tailgate...

This change will NOT make these "true supporters" come inside just because they have to purchase a ticket... "

2ndGenerationBulldog wrote on Jun 12, 2009 5:52 PM:

" but I digress... maybe loitering is all those traveling from Charleston, who have roots in SCSU, but never attended, and by tradition, tailgate and don't purchase a ticket? Is that considered loitering? "

2ndGenerationBulldog wrote on Jun 12, 2009 5:50 PM:

" beamer: its not that they're charging for a premium spot. They do it already. Now they want to force a ticket sale, and some gamezone price 4 those already paying $100-300 a space. "

2ndGenerationBulldog wrote on Jun 12, 2009 5:44 PM:

" Are alumni without ticket no longer welcome on campus? You think you had a low turn out last year... wait until you see what this does. "

2ndGenerationBulldog wrote on Jun 12, 2009 5:40 PM:

" I have another question: (Iceman prompted this) What exactly is considered loitering by University standards? An alumnus who is outside the stadium and hasn't bought a ticket? "

beamer22 wrote on Jun 12, 2009 5:33 PM:

" Charging more for a space closer to the stadium or for premium tailgating space seems like an excellent business decision. "

beamer22 wrote on Jun 12, 2009 5:32 PM:

" I really don't see what all the fuss is about.

Yes, S.C. State is a smaller school. But dang, this is done on many many other campuses. "

iceman4221 wrote on Jun 12, 2009 5:02 PM:

" SCSU Pres said, "he believes it will cut down on loitering and get more fans into the stands."

I agree with the 1st part, but not with the "fans in the stands" part. "

iceman4221 wrote on Jun 12, 2009 3:55 PM:

" Football & Basketball are the only revenue sports at SCSU... They provide additonal $$$ for other non-revenue sports like Golf, Volley Ball, Soccer, Trk & Fld, Bowling, Tennis & Softball... "

iceman4221 wrote on Jun 12, 2009 3:32 PM:

" SCSU has 2 businesses - "academic training" & athletics... All activities performed by SCSU support these 2 entities... "

melly wrote on Jun 12, 2009 10:57 AM:

" Those at SCSU believe they could offset their poor sales by requiring(forcing) their patrons to buy tickets at a higher cost... We'll see how effective this business model is. "

melly wrote on Jun 12, 2009 10:51 AM:

" Apple Corp (early this week) and major airlines (this morning) all announce they are lowering prices of their products b/c of slumping sales in hopes that inspire consumers to buy their products. "

melly wrote on Jun 12, 2009 10:46 AM:

" 2Gen,

I hope the Gameday Zone is successful but if it's not, then I want to see some accountability (i.e. heads should roll)... "

2ndGenerationBulldog wrote on Jun 11, 2009 6:54 PM:

" This is not the way to generate support. But it IS the fastest way to lose fans. Melly, you are on point. But, people like BossHogg knows whats best for your money. "

2ndGenerationBulldog wrote on Jun 11, 2009 6:51 PM:

" Melly... where were you a few weeks ago when I was fighting this fight with BossHogg? I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks this idea and others are ridiculous. "

melly wrote on Jun 11, 2009 5:05 PM:

" The information gather will be used to develop the best Gameday products and policies for all their fans. "

melly wrote on Jun 11, 2009 5:00 PM:

" SCSU should've sent out Football Gameday improvement surveys to all Alumnus/Ticketholders/StateClubMembers to gather helpful data/info from a large sample study instead of a few talking heads that share the same veiws. "

GG07 wrote on Jun 11, 2009 1:20 PM:

" SCSU is located in a urban area ( OB,SC), so you are not going to have that many tickets sales regardless if you have a gamezone. You can't compare SCSU to Clemson or USC! "

bdog4life wrote on Jun 11, 2009 10:00 AM:

" fyi other meac schools are located in larger cities.... state is located in Orangeburg the goal is to get people to come back not stay away. "

bdog4life wrote on Jun 11, 2009 9:58 AM:

" Of the MEAC schools SCSU has some of the highest ticket prices.. dont believe me just look at the away game prices on our website... "

bdog4life wrote on Jun 11, 2009 9:50 AM:

" Seniors $15-20 at the most for all games (I'm sure they've supported the dogs for years and are in fixed income yrs now) "

bdog4life wrote on Jun 11, 2009 9:49 AM:

" I agree with trying to increase fan support..but the price structure is WRONG!

Youth $15-20 this could be future dogs...hello tuition $'s later on.... "

scsubulldog89 wrote on Jun 10, 2009 6:18 PM:

" u would think that coming off of a meac title we would have more support, but i highly doubt it its gonna be like anyother year "

2ndGenerationBulldog wrote on Jun 10, 2009 5:54 PM:

" Black College Football: The Xperience -- The Doug Williams Ed complete with halftime shows Rel Date: July 14, 2009 http://xbox360.ign.com/objects/961/961244.html again, it's not the fans! It's the marketing. Why can everyone else capitalize off us??? "

Reddawg wrote on Jun 10, 2009 5:11 PM:

" Non fans maybe driven away initially,however, thats ok, because they don't care about the success of SCSU football program. Serious fans will continue to come and non serious fans will eventually get with it "

scsubulldog89 wrote on Jun 10, 2009 3:53 PM:

" i agree with 2ndgenerationbulldog, your opponent does play a big factor but state cant even think about bringing in even an big school cuz we cant even sell out a simple conference game. "

2ndGenerationBulldog wrote on Jun 10, 2009 3:13 PM:

" Your opponent is a huge factor. Also, all in attendance aren't alumni and students at their games. I know many people who are just fans. How are we addressing that? "

2ndGenerationBulldog wrote on Jun 10, 2009 3:12 PM:

" As I think more about that comparison, you have to realize also, with USC and Clemson... they are playing other big name schools. It's not all on SCSU to draw fans inside. "

flabberjabber wrote on Jun 10, 2009 12:12 PM:

" This is a great idea. Now people like me who were afraid of getting shot by the riff raff that hangs around may actually feel safe enough to go to the games. "

concerned04 wrote on Jun 9, 2009 9:18 PM:

" This is suppose to be a fun event. It's quickly becoming a headache!!!keep doing what you are doing pushing people away. "

2ndGenerationBulldog wrote on Jun 9, 2009 7:09 PM:

" You've got to dig deeper than this. Plus, a group-think idea never works. There are no nay sayers. You all couldn't have agreed to this idea. if so, we're in trouble! "

2ndGenerationBulldog wrote on Jun 9, 2009 7:05 PM:

" Don't think I forgot BossHogg. I told you... once people heard these ideas, they wouldn't go over well. To tell the truth, it may be fun, but not very practical. "

shlomoe wrote on Jun 9, 2009 5:32 PM:

" We are in a low echelon school.
Getting someone to the grounds is better than having a vacant lot. My liquor is not cheap BTW.
And we eat lobster and fillet. "

melly wrote on Jun 9, 2009 5:08 PM:

" If someone enters the tailgating zone with a RV, how will they verify each person in the RV has a ticket? If they can't, wouldn't that be a loophole? "

melly wrote on Jun 9, 2009 5:05 PM:

" Bosshogg, but the difference is that USC doesn't require every patron that enters that area to have a game ticket. Only those who rent/lease the tailgating spots.... "

bosshogg wrote on Jun 9, 2009 3:30 PM:

" scsu4life:they wont be tailgating behind dukes since thats not an approved area. security will move them.People should be ashamed they come all the way to home coming,but not buy a ticket and support the program. "

bosshogg wrote on Jun 9, 2009 3:28 PM:

" kyza_96: many colleges charge to tailgate in certain areas near the stadium. They dont call it a tailgate fee. They just call it a parking fee. USC does, as does Gtrambling and Southern. "

melly wrote on Jun 9, 2009 3:19 PM:

" To raise the price of a product that slumping in sales to increase revenue is foolish. It's also punitive to the small pool of advocates of that product... "

kyza_96 wrote on Jun 9, 2009 1:20 PM:

" if you're operating at 50% capacity, then reduce prices & revisit marketing strategies. 75% capacity @ 25% tix prices equates to more $$. Agree w/ revenue problem, but wrong solution. "

kyza_96 wrote on Jun 9, 2009 1:20 PM:

" You generate revenue by advertising to the people that don't attend coming to the games; local schools, OB cty res,should receive reduced tix rates. The overall price of the tix should be reduced. "

kyza_96 wrote on Jun 9, 2009 1:16 PM:

" The issue is creating revenue; no other college program charges individuals for tailgating outside the stadium. $$ for parking is reasonable. These folks are not the targeted market share. "

Reddawg wrote on Jun 9, 2009 6:14 AM:

" They have this in place for people like Shlomoe. Party, drink cheap liquor and eat leg quarters elsewhere. SCSU is moving up. "

scsu4life wrote on Jun 8, 2009 9:36 PM:

" $5 for individuals not entering the stadium would make better since to me. People will just tailgate behind Duke Gym. Betcha I can get a hotel room for homecoming now once the word gets out. "

scsu4life wrote on Jun 8, 2009 9:34 PM:

" SCSU is going to wind up have no one coming close to the stadium (or to Orangeburg) with this idea. Charging the price of a game ticket to enter the "GameZone"? "

milton wrote on Jun 8, 2009 8:58 PM:

" To the T&D staff, what's the point in having a word count if you're going allow bloggers to submit multiple posts.... "

milton wrote on Jun 8, 2009 8:54 PM:

" Bosshogg, as a season ticketholder and state club member I recieved notication of the new policy in the mail weeks ago. And its my choice if i want to go in the game or not. "

milton wrote on Jun 8, 2009 8:46 PM:

" Bosshogg, just b/c someone disagree with the change doesn't mean they are not for change. "

milton wrote on Jun 8, 2009 8:27 PM:

" Agreed 2ndGenerationBulldog. However, I can vouch that USC does sellout their games but you do make some valid points.... "

2ndGenerationBulldog wrote on Jun 8, 2009 7:23 PM:

" If u don't want this fan @ d game, deny me a ticket!

T&D... This is ridiculous!!! what's the limit for? "

2ndGenerationBulldog wrote on Jun 8, 2009 7:21 PM:

" There were ppl that followed Hitler, drank dat Jonestown punch, trusted Dwight D. York (Nuwabian). So, not subscribing 2 ur ideas is being less of a fan? "

2ndGenerationBulldog wrote on Jun 8, 2009 7:17 PM:

" They also suffer from a lack of attendance. So, why are we still using them as a yard stick? What is the true goal? Selling out tickets,or putting people in the stands? "

2ndGenerationBulldog wrote on Jun 8, 2009 7:15 PM:

" They don't just rely on ticket sales. They have pay-per-view, TV contracts, etc. They don't have sell-out crowds every weekend. You wouldn't build a Mortin's Steak House in Orangeburg. "

2ndGenerationBulldog wrote on Jun 8, 2009 7:14 PM:

" The comparison to Clemson and USC is incredible. Also, incredulous. They have a very different demographic. They also have very different means of raising money. "

2ndGenerationBulldog wrote on Jun 8, 2009 7:13 PM:

" Border fence, border patrol, deportation... sounds like a plan. Can't say I've ever seen this fail. I sincerely hope this works for you. More gauze n band-aid Doctor! "

ICU81 wrote on Jun 8, 2009 3:56 PM:

" Why is it other news agencies will give you the ability to voice your views while the T&D will limit and censor what you say... Don't we have freedom of speech? "

ICU81 wrote on Jun 8, 2009 3:54 PM:

" Another thing you are always worried about USC. Who cares what they do.... "

ICU81 wrote on Jun 8, 2009 3:53 PM:

" If you are providing a solution to the problem I don't mind hearing it but if you have to make personal attacks then you to are guilty of being a kick rider. So ride on...lol "

ICU81 wrote on Jun 8, 2009 3:50 PM:

" ClaflinSis why are you trying to be such an active part of Bulldog Football. Didn't you graduate from Claflin? Why don't you go to their football games. My bad yall don't have a football team. "

melly wrote on Jun 8, 2009 2:43 PM:

" To charge tax paying patrons to enter the campus of a state support is outrageous.

And Yes, I'm a SCSU season ticketholder that's totally against these new rule changes... "

melly wrote on Jun 8, 2009 2:40 PM:

" Since USC was referrence. Please tell us where outside the William Brice Stadium requires a ticket for entrance besides the parking lots? "

bosshogg wrote on Jun 8, 2009 2:02 PM:

" people really do fear change. SCSU does something to move the school forward, and out come those who want the status quo. people like milton like coming to games but not going in.No more. "

melly wrote on Jun 8, 2009 2:01 PM:

" Charging tax payers to enter a campus of a state supported school is outrageous...

And yes I'm a season ticket holder. "

melly wrote on Jun 8, 2009 1:59 PM:

" Since USC was reference. Please tell us what areas outside of the Stadium requires patrons to have a ticket besides the parking lots. "

claflinbro wrote on Jun 8, 2009 1:22 PM:

" ICU81, you are one big sensitive idiot. Have you ever been to a USC game. Alcohol is sold legally and illegally. You got to be the most ignorant poster on here. "

claflinbro wrote on Jun 8, 2009 1:18 PM:

" You bunch of whinning babies. You always have an idiot on here that will try and change the subject. People on campus just to tailgate...heck you can do that at home. "

bosshogg wrote on Jun 8, 2009 1:15 PM:

" and for those talking about prices, SCSU still ahs some of the cheapest ticket prices of any school with a football program. Dont just come and tailgate, support the school and buya ticket! "

claflinbro wrote on Jun 8, 2009 1:15 PM:

" I dont see anyone twisting your wrist. If you dont like it...don't go. Go spend 20 for parking at USC. Typical black folk just plain dumb. "

bosshogg wrote on Jun 8, 2009 1:14 PM:

" for true fans, this will not be an issue. the people who may not attend are those who didnt buy tickets anyway, so there is no loss. real fans buy tickets. "

melly wrote on Jun 8, 2009 10:39 AM:

" So they're going to force patrons to purchase tickets and increase tickets prices to generate more revenue in this poor economy? Just brilliant. You can’t force people to spend money, especially during a recession. "

milton wrote on Jun 7, 2009 11:38 PM:

" So they want to generate more revenue by forcing people to purchase a ticket? Also, they're increasing ticket prices. Is this the most effective way to generate more revenue during this Economy? "

ICU81 wrote on Jun 7, 2009 5:46 PM:

" Good luck on stopping the alcohol sales year before last they sold alcohol at SHM. "

shlomoe wrote on Jun 7, 2009 3:59 PM:

" Where are we supposed to drink and party now?
Me and my posse dont even first like football "

rthomp wrote on Jun 7, 2009 3:01 PM:

" i totally agree with the the school trying to use every resource to get people into the stands. there are people that i know that go only for the tailgating. "

concerned04 wrote on Jun 7, 2009 2:54 PM:

" Just remember we are dealing with a double edge sword. It could have a negative affect on attendance just as well as a positive one. Be careful what you ask for!!!!! "

Pitbull wrote on Jun 7, 2009 2:23 PM:

" Outstanding !!!! This is long overdue...Well done Bulldawgs!!! "

claflinbro wrote on Jun 7, 2009 10:16 AM:

" It's about time. They should have been doing this years ago. These people need to support the meac champs. My only concern is we are dealing with black folk. "

Reddawg wrote on Jun 7, 2009 9:12 AM:

" SCSU campus isn't a everybody come hangout or party ground.I like the tailgating,but I also like to watch the football games.This will eliminate the riff raff and we'll have more serious fans among us.GOOD IDEA. "

cherokee wrote on Jun 7, 2009 9:07 AM:

" It is about time for SCSU to start charging the free-loaders who only tailgate. Also ban the sell of alcoholic beverages and food from this area. Its illegal without a permit. "

TAS wrote on Jun 7, 2009 8:38 AM:

" I certainly support efforts to increase team support and game attendance. However, let me see if I got this correct.To park I can pay $75 for 5 games or $50 for 5 games. "

Bosshogg wrote on Jun 7, 2009 8:29 AM:

" it's about time. This is normal at most colleges. Too many people come to SCSU games and tailgate but don't go in the game. "

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