Tailgating in Aggieland: Frequently Asked Questions

Tailgating and picnicking before Texas A&M Athletics events has enjoyed increasing popularity over the last several years, and we anticipate that it will continue to grow in the future. Increased participation has led to more safety concerns and damage to the campus. The plan for responsible tailgating was developed to help ensure that the gameday experience remains friendly, fun, safe and family-oriented activities celebrating a day of athletic competition.

All tailgating in Aggie Park will require a Reservation. Paid reservations may be made by contacting Revel XP at 979-775-1700 or by visiting Revel XP Tailgating. 

For information on reservations for free spots visit the Aggie Park page.

Virtual land rush is an online reservation system used to reserve spots in Aggie Park and Reed Arena.

There are several steps you will need to take to ensure a successful gameday tailgate.

• Consider your parking situation on gameday. If you are parked in one of the 12th Man lots, you will have access to the first 15 feet of green space surrounding that lot to tailgate.
• Decide if you would like you would like to utilize one of our free open-access sites around campus or utilize a reserved location. Those wishing to utilize a reserved location for a hassle-free experience and turnkey tailgate provided by Revel XP may contact them at 979-775-1700.
• Read both the general rules and the site-specific rules (listed above). These will help give you an idea of which open access space you would like to tailgate.
• Claim your space!
• All of our open access spaces are first-come, first-served beginning at 9 a.m. the day before the game. Many people will come out early and start discussing locations they would like to be in when the air horn blows at noon. Leaving a tent frame in your location will secure your spot. You may also create a perimeter using a variety of other methods. We encourage you to reach out to a tailgating ambassador on Friday if you have questions.
• Make plans to drop off your supplies as near to your tailgate as possible taking into account any road closures associated with gameday.
• Keep your tailgate clean by utilizing university trash receptacles or bringing your own if there are none nearby.
• If you are still not sure about what to do or have questions, call Aggieland Tailgating at 979-862-7547.

Open access sites are any tailgating areas that are outside of the 15-feet distance from designated parking lots and are not tied to parking privileges. They do not require a reservation and are available to any patrons who setup a tailgate based on responsible tailgating general rules and the additional open access site-specific rules (listed above). 

With the increasing number of fans enjoying tailgating activities on gameday, there are increasing concerns about pedestrian safety, fire safety, utilities infrastructure, sanitation and the responsible consumption of alcoholic beverages.

The Tailgating Management Team advises that tents and canopies should be anchored appropriately (e.g. sandbags, water barrels, stakes.) Unanchored tents/canopies easily can blow over and present a safety hazard as well as cause damage to property. Please help ensure that tailgating and picnicking remain friendly, fun, safe and family-oriented activities for Aggies of all ages.

Effective immediately, tents secured in non-reserved areas may not use stakes that penetrate the ground deeper than 12 inches. This is in compliance with University Policies 21.99.09.M0.01 Tents on Campus and 24.99.99.M0.01 University Utility Locate Procedure.

If your tent cannot be safely secured using stakes that penetrate the ground 12 inches or less, we recommend you contact the manufacturer regarding alternate forms of ballast including sand, concrete blocks or water barrels or use multiple smaller tents. University water supplies will not be made available.

Generators may be used in all sites. They must be classified as recreational generators with a noise level not to exceed 80 decibels.

Guests who wish to utilize a tailgate trailer may do so in the greenspaces surrounding 12th Man parking lots or the Reed Arena lawn. Trailer-mounted grills, smokers or televisions may be placed in the greenspaces provided the towing vehicle does not enter the greenspace. All trailer-mounted units, including tow hitches, should be able to fit within the confines of a normal parking space. Units larger than a normal space should be parked in the oversized vehicle lot or Fan Field.

Hot coals must be doused and properly disposed of in specially designated coal  receptacle to prevent fires. Fires built on the ground and open fire pit devices are prohibited.

Individuals with disabilities may park in Parking Area 88 or the University Center Garage. Shuttle buses will take them to the front (Joe Routt entrance) of Kyle Field.

The Fan Zone is a pedestrian zone before the game. Joe Routt Boulevard is closed to vehicular traffic between Wellborn Road and Throckmorton. Houston Street from the University Center Garage entrance to Joe Routt Boulevard is closed beginning at 6 a.m. on gamedays and reopens one hour after the game ends. Houston Street from the George Bush Dr. to University Center Garage entrance is closed four hours before kickoff. Team bus and emergency vehicles have limited access. The streets reopen one hour after the game. The Tailgating Management team advises that pedestrians use caution when crossing streets and driveways and to keep careful watch of children, particularly when leaving the stadium.

Permanent restroom facilities are located in the Memorial Student Center, Koldus Building and the Rudder Theatre Complex. The Association of Former Students is also hosting Aggie fans in the Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center near Kyle Field. Other campus buildings are not open for public restroom use. Portable toilets are located around other campus buildings and parking lots.

You are welcome to promote all types of activities; however, any transactions, monetary or otherwise, and solicitations require approval of the University Concessions Committee. Typically, approvals are not given for tailgating areas on gamedays. (University Rule 21.99.09.M0.03 – Access to University Property for Sales and Solicitations)