Hawkeye football, grilled food, great drinks, and good times with your family and friends are an expected combination when you think of Fall in Iowa City, Iowa. What most individuals do not think of are the legal consequences and fines associated with not being aware of the legal expectations when tailgating. In order to facilitate the good times without the aforementioned consequences, below are some common questions that come to mind when prepping for the first Saturday of Iowa football this fall.

Can I drink in public on game days?

If you are local to Iowa City and its surrounding areas or a resident of the state of Iowa who loves football, it is likely that you will have seen the swarms of people around Kinnick Stadium prior to kickoff. More often than not, you see those individuals with beverages in their hands. This sight may make you scratch your head; why are people allowed to walk around with open containers of alcoholic drinks? Why are they not getting in trouble for drinking beer on the sidewalk? Does public intoxication not apply during game days? All of these are valid questions.  

If you are celebrating a Hawk touchdown, it must be done with something under (approximately) 14% BAC. More specifically, University of Iowa-owned lots do not allow for hard liquor; instead, you must enjoy other spirits, such as beer and wine. If you want to take part in a celebratory shot of liquor, such celebrations must be held on privately owned lots, in homes, or inside one of the various bars located on both the west and east sides of the river.  

While you are permitted to drink in various designated areas on game days, there is no exception for public intoxication. If you or your friends are openly intoxicated in a public place – or even simulating intoxication – you open yourself up to criminal liability and can be charged with a simple misdemeanor.  

In sum, you may drink in public in designated areas, so long as you are drinking the permitted type of alcoholic beverage. If you are bouncing to various tailgates at various locations, you should refrain from having an open container in the event you begin walking on property that is not an alcohol-permitted zone. No matter where the fun takes you on the next brisk fall Saturday in Iowa City, Iowa, be aware of your total consumption, as there is no exception to public intoxication as it relates to tailgating.  

Can I grill?

When tailgating, you can grill your favorite game day entrees and sides: burgers, hot dogs, brats, skewers, and whatever else your heart may desire, so long as you are not tailgating in a parking ramp. Grilling opportunities are limited to parking lots and are prohibited within the parking ramps.  

If you are the self-designated grill master and have found yourself in a permitted area, you are welcome to use both liquid propane and charcoal grills when cooking for your friends. To ensure you are celebrating the Hawks in a manner that will not result in unwanted fines, be aware that if you use a charcoal grill, you must dispose of it in designated containers.  

How long can I tailgate for?  

While those who participate in tailgating – and the above references activities when tailgating – may want to continue the fun until late into the night, the festivities are not permitted to occur following games with a kickoff time of 6:00 pm or later. If you have pre-paid for a lot owned by the University, you are welcome to leave your vehicle and/or recreational vehicle (RV) there overnight while you continue to enjoy the fun elsewhere, so long as you depart the lot by 9:00 am the following morning.  

The University of Iowa is an excellent place for families and friends to come together to celebrate sports and enjoy the weekend. To avoid any unwanted distributions or fines, be sure to follow the rules and regulations as they relate to what is and is not permitted, both on public lots and University of Iowa lots. If there are any wavering questions prior to the first kickoff of the year, be sure to reach out to the University to ask for additional clarification on the specific regulations related to the zone in which you intend to tailgate.