Hope College

To support community-building and alumni and family engagement surrounding designated home athletic events while maintaining Hope College's commitment to a dry campus, the College has established a limited exception permitting responsible alcohol consumption by adults age 21 and older within designated tailgating areas during approved game days. This exception does not alter the College's overall alcohol policy. All alcohol possession and consumption during designated home athletic events must meet the conditions set forth below.

a. Approved Locations & Boundaries

Alcohol may be possessed and consumed in the following designated tailgating zones:

• Lot 75 (Smith Football Stadium Parking): The zone extends from the 13th Street entrance, along the east-side fence line of the lot, to the Soren Wolff Way entrance bordering Smallenberg Park.

• Lot 62 & 63 (DeVos Fieldhouse Parking): The zone extends out 15 yards from all sides of the parking lot, ending at the main turnaround.

• Other Campus Areas: The Hope College Alcohol Policy remains fully enforceable in all other campus buildings and properties unless a separate, formal exception is approved.

Alcohol is prohibited inside all Hope College athletic facilities, pedestrian access pathways, and ticketed areas adjacent to the stadiums/arenas.

b. Approved Dates and Hours

• Tailgating dates and hours for Lots 62 & 63 and 75 are approved in advance by the Director of Athletics, the Vice President for Student Formation, and the Director of Campus Safety.

• Official schedules are published on the Athletic Department website and may be adjusted due to game time changes or special events (e.g., One Big Weekend).

c. Rules and Compliance

All individuals within the exception zone must adhere to the following regulations:

• Age Restriction: In accordance with Michigan law, no one under the age of 21 may possess or consume alcohol anywhere on campus.

• Containers: All alcoholic beverages must be poured into an opaque cup, thermos, or alternative container. No open cans or bottles are permitted.

• No Common Sources: Kegs and other bulk, common-source alcohol containers are prohibited.

• Hydration & Food: While concessions are available inside the venues, individuals tailgating are strongly encouraged to provide their own food, water, and non-alcoholic beverages in the exception zone.

d. Prohibited Items and Activities

• Glass Containers: For safety reasons, all glass bottles and containers are prohibited within the tailgating zones.

• Rapid Consumption & Games: Drinking games (including but not limited to beer pong and flip cup) and rapid-consumption devices (such as funnels or beer bongs) are prohibited in the tailgating zone.

• Commercial Sales: The sale of alcohol is prohibited unless a permit has been obtained in advance from Hope College. Individuals may not charge admission or require attendees to purchase a ticket or make a donation to attend a tailgate where alcohol is present. 

e. Enforcement and Individual Responsibility

• Hosts are legally and personally responsible for the behavior and safety of their guests, ensuring that no underage drinking or over-consumption occurs at their tailgate.

• Student groups wishing to host events are not permitted to do so in tailgating zones where alcohol is permitted, they may do so in the alcohol-free tailgating zones with proper permissions (information available through Student Life).

• Individuals who violate this policy, engage in disorderly conduct, or refuse to comply with directives from Campus Safety or local law enforcement will have their alcohol confiscated, will be removed from the property, and may face institutional disciplinary action or legal prosecution.