Information about the 2025 Homecoming Tailgate
will be announced as soon as logistics are finalized. 

Homecoming Festival will take place on Lot A adjacent to the Tailgate Lot.
GO TO HOMECOMING.GMU.EDU FOR MORE INFORMATION
 

Mason Tailgates Info

The Mason Tailgates committee has chosen to sunset this program.

This excludes the Homecoming Tailgate, for which information will be communicated at a later date. 

Picture of tailgate

Dates and Purchase Info

Due to the continual increase in cost coupled with low attendance at organized tailgates beyond Homecoming, the Mason Tailgates committee has chosen to sunset this program. 

This excludes the Homecoming Tailgate, for which information will be communicated at a later date. 

Tailgate Rules and Policies

Our campus community loves the passion and enthusiasm our students, faculty, staff, alumni and fans share for Mason!  Below are tailgate policies and guidelines to ensure all of our Patriots have a safe,  enjoyable and fun experience.

General Policies

  • Vehicles, occupants, and personal effects may only occupy two parking spaces; spaces must be immediately adjacent to one another.
  • Campers, recreational vehicles, trailers, party buses and box trucks are prohibited.
  • The removal of barricades, warning lines, barrels, or other traffic and pedestrian control devices is strictly prohibited.
  • Driving or parking vehicles on green spaces or sidewalks is prohibited.
  • Vehicles, grills, chairs, and other personal effects may not block roadways, sidewalks, fire hydrants, doorways, or otherwise obstruct pedestrian or vehicle traffic.
  • Professional tailgate services, sale of alcohol, or sale of merchandise is prohibited.
  • Pets are permitted on a leash and must remain outside of university buildings.
  • Only tents 10 x 10 are smaller are permitted in the tailgate area. All tents must:
    • Be secured by weights or anchors
    • No cooking device or open flame is used under the tent

Alcohol & Drug Policies

  • Only those attendees who are 21 and over may consume alcohol.
  • Consumption is limited to within the perimeter of the tailgate lot.
  • All attendees, whether entering in a vehicle or though the pedestrian entrances will have their government-issued ID checked and those 21 and over will be furnished with a wrist band. Those under the age of 21 will have their hand marked.
  • Alcohol consumption during outdoor events and tailgates is regulated by the Code of Virginia section §4.1-308. Public intoxication, vandalism, obscene or harassing behavior, public indecency and violence (or threats of violence) will not be tolerated and should be reported to the nearest law enforcement official or by calling University police at (703) 993-2810.
  • All containers are subject to search by security services or University Police.
  • The unlawful possession, distribution, or use of drugs or controlled substances is are prohibited.
  • Professional tailgate services, sale of alcohol, or sale of merchandise is prohibited.

Grill Policies

  • Grills (propane or charcoal) may not be used under a tent, structure, or within 25 feet of a building.
  • All grill ash and coals must be completely extinguished and disposed of in metal fire resistant bins before leaving a grill unattended.

Prohibited Items

  • Glass containers
  • Fireworks
  • Weapons
  • Drones
  • Gasoline powered appliances
  • Fire pits
  • Propane heaters
  • Lasers
  • Tiki torches
  • Rides
  • Portable generators
  • Deep fryers
  • Miniature motorized vehicles
  • Other items deemed dangerous or unsafe by the Event Organizer

Unlawful behavior, public intoxication, underage consumption of alcohol, and behaviors that endangers the public or property are not permitted on university property. University Police are authorized to enforce university policies and may, at their discretion, restrict or prohibit access to university property. Individuals or groups who do not comply with this policy or relevant laws may be subject to removal from the tailgate area or university property. Tailgating activities may be cancelled at the discretion of university officials for reasons of public safety.

Students enjoying a tailgate
Students playing Cornhole at a tailgate
Picture of students at Homecoming parade and opening at Fairfax Campus.

Ticketing Information

Student tickets are FREE! All you need is a current Mason ID.

Tickets for all others to our select games with tailgating, or any other Mason Athletics event, can be purchased by going to https://gomason.com!

Picture of students playing basket ball

If you have questions about any of our upcoming Mason Tailgates, here are some handy links and contact information:

General Questions about Mason Tailgates:

tailgate@gmu.edu or email sa@gmu.edu

Visit our Partner Organizations for information:

Mason Athletics

Student Involvement

George Mason University Alumni Association

GMU Parking and Transportation

GMU University Life

GMU Office of Risk Management

Department of Police and Public Safety

GMU Student Code of Conduct

Image of GMU students at a tailgate
Image of GMU students tailgating