Come celebrate our Patriots before select basketball games this 2021-2022 season!
Join these community-wide celebrations and show your Patriot pride among current students, alumni, and our surrounding community. From a desire to speak to the growing demand for traditional tailgate activities, provide opportunities to bring alumni and students together, and increase school spirit, Mason Tailgates was born! Though these events we hope to create a strong sense of community, while ensuring a safe environment for all who participate.
Mason Patriots,
We are excited to resume Mason Tailgates for the 2021-2022 basketball season and will offer five tailgate opportunities this school year. University Life, Mason Athletics, and the Alumni Association hope that you and your guests will join us at one or more tailgates to support Mason, and show your school spirit.
There are few key things to know about tailgating at Mason:
- A permit is required for all vehicles entering the tailgate area; each permit allows one vehicle and up to eight guests, you may purchase a pass or passes here.
- Tailgating will take place in Lot A next to EagleBank Arena. Click here for a site map of the official Mason Tailgates location.
- Vehicles should enter the tailgate area from Nottoway River Lane.
- The tailgate area will open 4 hours before game time and close 30 minutes before game time. Permits will provide specific times and additional instructions
- Please take a moment to review Mason’ tailgating rules regarding alcohol, grills, and tailgating etiquette available below.
If you have any questions or concerns about tailgating at Mason please do not hesitate to contact us at tailgate@gmu.edu.
Respectfully,
Mason’s Tailgate Committee
Dates and Purchase Info
Join your fellow Patriots and hang out before select men’s basketball games this Fall 2021 and Spring 2022!
Mason Tailgates for the 2021-2022 season will be on Lot A, east of EagleBank Arena, adjacent to Nottaway River Lane. Click here for a site map of the official Mason Tailgates location.
A tailgate permit entitles you to two parking spots to accommodate one vehicle and up to eight guests. Spots are assigned first-come first-served basis as you enter the lot. You MUST arrive with your confirmation email PRINTED and available to view by our attendants. No vehicles will be permitted into the lot prior to the load-in time. Please refer to below listed dates for specific times for each of the tailgates. Once the event starts, vehicles will not be allowed to leave the lot until after the event ends and after all pedestrian guests have left the lot. Vehicles may remain in the lot for the duration of the basketball game.
Please note: Rental trucks and vans, trailers, party buses, and motor homes will not be permitted into the lot. Please refer to the tailgating rules for more information.
PURCHASE YOUR MASON TAILGATES PERMIT HERE!
Advanced Purchase Ticket Price $10.00
Includes 2 Parking Spots, 1 Vehicle, and 8 Guests
Day of Ticket Price: $20.00
George Mason University Fairfax Campus – Lot A
This season’s tailgates are listed below:
Friday, October 15, 2021 – MASON MADNESS
Tailgate Load-In 3:00pm
Tailgate Time 3:30pm to 6:30pm
Game Time 7:00pm
Friday, November 12, 2021 vs. Penn
Tailgate Load-In 3:00pm
Tailgate Time 3:30pm to 6:30pm
Game Time 7:00pm
Saturday, December 4, 2021 vs. Old Dominion University
Tailgate Load-In 3:00pm
Tailgate Time 3:30pm to 6:30pm
Game Time 7:00pm
Saturday, January 29, 2022 vs. George Washington
Tailgate Load-In 11:00am
Tailgate Time 11:30am to 2:30pm
Game Time 3:00pm
Saturday, February 12 , 2022 vs. Virginia Commonwealth University
HOMECOMING Tailgate and Festival
Tailgate Load-In 12:00pm
Tailgate and Festival Time 12:30pm to 3:30pm
Game Time 4:00pm



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!
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:
George Mason University Alumni Association
GMU Parking and Transportation


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
- 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.