Eastern Michigan Athletics

EMU Homecoming Tailgate and Parking Plans Announced

EMU Homecoming Tailgate and Parking Plans Announced

9/21/2023 7:25:00 AM | Football, General

Cars without a game ticket will be charged a $10 fee (cash only) on game day

Homecoming Events | Purchase Tickets | Tailgate Package | All Sports Reunion

YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – Eastern Michigan University and the Department of Athletics are thrilled to unveil a comprehensive tailgate and parking plan for its annual Homecoming contest. EMU will host Ball State University Saturday, Oct. 7, at 3:30 p.m., inside Rynearson Stadium.

It marks the 102nd Homecoming for Eastern Michigan University and the 95th time EMU will play a football game on Homecoming weekend. Homecoming began in 1920 and was originally known as Gala Days on campus before transitioning to the term homecoming in 1923. EMU is 47-45-2 all-time on Homecoming after defeating UMass, 20-13, last year.

With a strong focus on safety, convenience, and enhancing the game day experience for fans, these measures are set to elevate the homecoming festivities to new heights.

Creating a Safer Tailgating Atmosphere
To promote a safer tailgating atmosphere and minimize the overlap of cars and pedestrians, EMU has implemented the following procedures:

Parking Fee: All cars entering the Rynearson Stadium parking lot will be charged a $10 fee (cash only) on game day, except those with a valid game ticket (must be shown at entry).

Student Tickets: EMU students can obtain a free ticket using the EMU Student Ticket Link.

Increased Security and Parking Services: EMU has partnered with MTS for enhanced security coverage in all parking lots on game day. The EMU ROTC will also play a crucial role in parking coverage.

Saturday, Oct. 7 Parking Timeline
8 a.m. - Lots staffed (Lots locked before 8 a.m.)
8:30 a.m. - Early access for fans who purchased the Homecoming Tailgate Package (One Car Per Package)
10 a.m. - Lots open for general fans
1:15 p.m. - Eagle Walk / Team Arrival
2 p.m. - Stadium Gates Open
3:30 p.m. - Kickoff

Recreational Vehicles: Recreational Vehicles are designated to park in the VIP Lot and are required to have a VIP Parking Pass ($74 for RVs). All recreational vehicles that plan to arrive prior to game day need to coordinate their arrival with the EMU Athletic Ticket Office.

Auxiliary Parking Lots: Grass Lots at the North and South ends of the main Rynearson Lots, Intramural Field Lots, and George Gervin GameAbove Center Staff lot will be used for additional general parking.
"Homecoming Tailgate Package"
For $50, fans can purchase the Homecoming Tailgate Package, which includes:
• Ability to reserve a Premium Tailgating Space with room for a large tent and grill setup.
• Early access to reserve a space and set up during the afternoon of Friday, Oct. 6.
• Overnight security within the Rynearson Lots to protect tents and tailgate equipment.
• Ability to bring one car into the lot on game day before it opens to the general public.

Setup Procedures:
Fans who have purchased this pass can set up their tailgate space between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 6, overseen and staffed by Athletics Marketing and the Athletics Facility Operations staff. Tents can be set up within the grass areas inside the Rynearson Lots, which will be secured and monitored by MTS Security. Fans can re-enter the lots for tailgating at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7.

Family Tailgate Zone
EMU will designate corners at the North and South ends of the Rynearson Lots for a "Family Tailgate Zone" that includes:
• General Parking & Tailgates in the middle.
• Family Parking & Tailgate Zone on the outer edges.
• Limited tent size (10 foot x 10 foot).
• No reserving spots.

EMU is excited to welcome fans to the Homecoming Tailgate and provide an enhanced game day experience while prioritizing safety and convenience for all attendees.
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