As a tailgating group or organization, you are required by Samford University to adhere to the following policies, guidelines, and procedures for the current football season. These policies are to insure that proper safety precautions are adhered to, and to protect/preserve university property. All tailgating plans are subject to the university’s approval. These policies may be altered if the university’s staff determines that there is a need for increased safety or for the protection of property.
Registration
Fill out one (1) Tailgate Registration form using the link found on the right side of this page for each game that you plan to tailgate. The deadline for tailgate registration is seven (7) days before the game.
Accessibility
Quad Accessibility for Tailgating Activities
There are (3) ADA accessible options for entering the Quad, each of which includes accessible parking and sidewalk ramps. The first entrance is located at Talbird Circle near the west entrance of the University Center, just north of Pittman Hall. The second entrance is located near Bolding Rose Garden and the west side of the Leslie Stephen Wright Fine Arts Center. The third entrance is located at the Dwight Beeson Hall parking lot, between the Dwight Beeson Hall building and the University Library.
To Stadium for Football Game and Activities
There are ADA Accessible Parking areas on both the East Side of Pete Hanna Stadium outside of Gate B, and on the West Side of Pete Hanna Stadium in the South Stadium Lot. Accessible parking spaces in the East and South Stadium lots are available on a first come first served basis for patrons with a handicap placard.
University Center
- Accessible entrance on east side of building Automatic door (near post office). One Elevator on right at this entrance to access second floor cafeteria and dining services only. Second Elevator to left of food court to access student commons, cafeteria, and Howard Room. Turn left from O’Henry’s to Accessible Restrooms on the right.
- Ramp Access on the south side of the building from the Quad. Turn right from this entrance to access books store, food court, post office, and elevators to the cafeteria. Turn left and follow the ramp up and through the door. Elevator access on the left to first through third floors.
Bulldog Club Donor Hospitality
Samford families, alumni and fans looking for season-long gameday hospitality opportunities are encouraged to consider Bulldog Club Football Donor Hospitality. Bulldog Club Donor Hospitality is located in the south end zone of Pete Hanna Stadium and boasts over 4,000 square feet of space, including a climate controlled tent with a pre-game full course meal, flat screen TVs, a private restroom trailer and refreshments throughout the entire game. A minimum annual gift of $1,500 designated to the Bulldog Club Excellence Fund is required to be eligible to purchase donor hospitality access. All gifts designated to the Bulldog Club Excellence Fund directly support each of our 17 men’s and women’s athletic programs and support areas including academic services, strength and conditioning, and athletic training. For more information, please contact Development Director at bulldogclub@samford.edu. Please note that donor hospitality access is based on availability.
Bulldog Walk
Bulldog Walk is a proud tradition at Samford University Tailgate. It begins 2 hours before kickoff during all home games. Bulldog Walk begins at the South entrance of the University Center and ends at Sullivan-Cooney Family Fieldhouse.
Cancellation
Please email tailgate@samford.edu to cancel your tailgate reservation. Cancellations must be received in writing, no later than noon on the Tuesday before game day.
Consumption of Alcohol
Alcohol is NOT permitted on Samford's campus. Any violations of this policy will be reported to the proper authorities.
Emergency Information
In case of an emergency, call the Public Safety Department directly at 205-726-2020.
Enforcement
Samford University reserves the right to refuse service to anyone at any time – inappropriate behavior will result in the permanent loss of all parking and tailgating privileges.
Failure to comply with directions from any Samford personnel may result in the eviction from university property without refund of services.
Family Weekend
The dates of Family Weekend will be announced. If you plan to tailgate as a family or with a group on the Quad during Family Weekend, we ask you to register ahead of time. Because tailgating is so popular during Family Weekend, space is limited and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
University tables and chairs will not be available during Family Weekend tailgating. If you need to rent tents, tables, chairs, or linens, please email events@samford.edu and the Events Management office will provide you with rental information.
In addition to tailgating, advance registration is suggested for the many events offered, as some of them are ticketed or will have limited seating. Registration may be completed on the Parents web page. For any additional information about the weekend, please email thindma@samford.edu.
Fees
There is a one-time, $30 fee for tailgating on the quad. The fee covers the cost of tailgate signage and a spot on the quad.
Food
Aramark is proud to be the food service provider for Samford University. Aramark can provide a customized tailgate menu to take care of all food and beverage needs. From BBQ to Specialty Sliders or good old fashioned hamburgers and hot dogs, Aramark will be happy to provide all the necessary sides and service items to round out the perfect day on campus. Call 205-726-2385 or please send an email to hardesty-cory@aramark.com for tailgating orders.
Another dining option is the Cafeteria, which is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays. Guests are welcome to bring food to the quad, please note in the tailgate registration form if you plan to grill.
Generators
Only silent generators are allowed on campus, however, no larger than 2500 watts. Larger generators, grills and flammable material such as propane and gasoline are not allowed within 20 feet of campus buildings, under trees, or in other designated no-grill areas.
Grilling
Grills must be placed in designated grilling areas only. Grilling is not allowed in parking decks. All grills must be placed away from tents and trees, and cannot be used under a covered surface. Generators, grills, and flammable material such as propane and gasoline are not allowed within 20 feet of campus buildings or in other designated no-grill areas. All fires must be contained within grills or other containers designed specifically for that purpose. Grills must be elevated and use self-lighting charcoal or propane. Extinguish charcoal fires thoroughly with water before leaving unattended. Place charcoal in designated containers or remove it from campus for disposal. DO NOT DUMP charcoal on the ground or in dumpsters. Oils of any kind cannot be disposed of in a storm drain or sanitary sewer. Please repackage and remove from site. At least 1 five-pound all-purpose fire extinguisher (ABC) must be provided if a grill is in use. Grilling may be limited during drought and/or high wind conditions.
Guest Conduct
Tailgating at Samford is a family friendly environment. Individuals, groups and organizations participating in a tailgate are responsible for their own conduct and are expected to respect the rights of others and the Samford community. All guests are expected to honor Samford’s Core Values while on campus. Failure to do so will result in the permanent loss of all tailgating privileges.
Homecoming
During Samford’s Homecoming football game, tailgating space is limited. University tables and chairs will not be available during Homecoming Weekend tailgating. If you need to rent tents, tables, chairs, or linens, please contact tailgate@samford.edu for a list of vendors.
Music
While music is allowed, appropriate volume and song selection is required. Live performances must be approved in advance and will be limited based on overall crowd expectation.
Parking Options on University Property
Game day parking on Samford’s campus is free of charge and first come first served in all parking areas with the exception of specific lots allocated to Samford Bulldog Club members and Samford Athletics Corporate Partners. You can access the Samford University campus map for information on the general parking areas.
Pets
Pets must be kept on a controlled leash. Animals should not be left unattended or secured to university property. Pet owners are solely responsible for their pets and any damage or injuries that may occur. Pet owners are required to clean up after pets. No pets are allowed inside Pete Hanna Stadium.
Responsibility
Anyone renting space on Samford University campus is responsible for the conduct of their guests. Children should be supervised at all times. Please use extreme caution when driving into or leaving the parking lots on campus.
Restrooms
The nearest available restrooms are located in Beeson University Center, Divinity Hall, Bonnie Bolding Swearingen (BBS) Hall, and Davis Library.
Security and Safety
It is the responsibility of each tailgate party to secure tailgate items. Tailgaters should lock food, beverages, and valuables out of sight; extinguish all fire or flames; unplug electrical outlets; secure tents, tables, chairs, etc. Samford University is not responsible or liable for accidents, damage, loss, or theft of materials, items, or personal property at any time.
Selling on University Property
No sales activities or solicitation are allowed on the university campus, including any / all tailgating areas, without permission from the office of Event Management. To make a request, please email events@samford.edu.
Setup and Breakdown Schedules
| Date | Opponent | Kickoff | Setup Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9/14 | Alabama State | 6 pm | 2 pm |
| 10/5 | VMI | 2 pm | 10 am |
| 10/19 | Mercer | 2 pm | 10 am |
| 11/2 | Wofford (homecoming) | 2 pm | 10 am |
| 11/9 | Tennessee Tech | 2 pm | 10 am |
| 11/23 | Western Carolina | 2 pm | 10 am |
Tailgate setup officially starts 4 hours before kickoff unless otherwise notified. No vehicle access is permitted on the quad for drop-offs/setup. Drop-off locations are as follows: Sherman Circle, Talbird Circle, LSW West Parking Lot, Parking pull-offs between Propst Hall and Reid/Burns/Chapman, Brooks Hall East Parking Lot, and the parking lot behind the UC and DBH. Any violation of the quad vehicle policies may incur a fifty-dollar fine. Both the violator and the group leader are responsible for said violations, and both will be fined accordingly. Also, each violation will be ticketed individually.
Tents, Tables & Chairs
Samford University does not supply tents; however, there is a limited supply of tables and chairs available for use on certain weekends by internal Samford groups only. *Due to high demand, tables and chairs will not be available for use on Family Weekend or Homecoming weekend.
Staking tents is NOT PERMITTED. Tents must be secured using sandbags, water barrels, etc. Tents must be certified NFPA 701 for flame resistance (must be labeled) or equivalent approval. There must be 12 feet of unobstructed space between the guy lines of adjoining tents. When the side flaps of tents are utilized and the occupant load is 15 or more, two exits must be provided.
Towing
Any vehicles parked on restricted area, such as the Quad, fire lanes, service zones, sidewalk, etc., will be towed at the owner or operator's expense. If your vehicle gets towed, you may contact 205-726-4146 for its location and payment. This is strictly enforced.
Trash and Clean Up
All tailgating groups are responsible for making sure their assigned tailgating area is clean prior to departing the quad. All trash and recyclables must be disposed of in proper receptacles. Tailgating spaces not completely cleaned prior to kick-off could result in the group's loss of future tailgating privileges.
Travel Lanes/Sidewalks
All sidewalks, drive lanes, and fire lanes must be kept clear of all tables, chairs, grills, other equipment and vehicles.
Visiting Teams
Samford University welcomes the visiting team and fans to tailgate prior to each game. While the Quad is reserved for Samford tailgaters, there is a designated tailgating spot for our visiting teams at the Samford Track and Soccer complex parking lot. Tailgaters can set up only on Saturdays at the Track and Soccer Complex, all weekdays are off-limits. Please refer to the Campus Map for directions. All guidelines still apply and visiting teams are encouraged to register to guarantee space for tailgating.
