Tailgating in Aggieland
Tailgating on campus at Texas A&M has increased over the last several years, and we anticipate that it will continue to grow in the future. Increased participation has led to more concerns for safety and possible damage to university property. Tailgating rules are in place to address these concerns and ensure that the game day experience remains friendly, fun and safe.
While the info on this page has specifics relating to football games, many of the general rules, site-specific rules and FAQ points are applicable to tailgating around all sporting events.
Tailgating on campus at Texas A&M University is a privilege. The University is responsible for determining what areas are set aside for reserved tailgating and which areas are available for “Land Rush.” Due to the growth of the University, these designated areas can change from year to year and the availability of “Land Rush” areas can change on a weekly basis due to the following:
- College Game Day
- SEC Nation
- Parsons Mounted Cavalry
- Athletic Teams
- Organized Student Groups
- Weather
- Reserved Tailgates (Contract)
- Gameday operations
NEW FOR 2025: WEST CAMPUS VIRTUAL LAND RUSH
Anyone that would like to tailgate in the yellow areas highlighted above will now participate in Virtual Land Rush. Virtual Land Rush will replace the horn blow and allow fans from anywhere to request a reserved location by clicking on the link below. The areas highlighted in brown above are reserved for 12th Man Foundation donors assigned to specific lots. Set up in these locations and all other 12th Man lots located on West campus will remain at 9 a.m. on Friday. For those parking in lot 100a or 100g, the amount of reserved space from the parking lot into the grass has increased from 15 feet to 25 feet. In addition, there will be a 20’ wide walkway separating 12th Man locations from Virtual Land Rush areas.
VIRTUAL LAND RUSH PROCESS: WEST CAMPUS
- Virtual Land Rush will begin at 6 p.m. Sunday evening before the next football game. Virtual Land Rush will end Tuesday at 5 p.m. NOTE: On a home game week, requests must be submitted between 6 p.m. CT on Sunday and 5 p.m. CT on Tuesday to be counted as a valid request.
- Visitors may request a free tailgating spot (25’ x 25’) by clicking on the West campus Virtual Land Rush link (posted above, when available).
- This link will direct you to a submission form…fill out the form and click submit. Requests will be filled based on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Confirmation emails will be sent out Wednesday with each guests’ section number designating their location. Guests will also be notified if the request cannot be honored because the area has reached capacity.
- Beginning Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. guests with a copy of their reservation confirmation may check in with the tailgating staff at their assigned zone at Reed Arena. You will be assigned a space within your designated zone. Those persons or groups who would like to combine tailgates or be adjacent to each other must check in at the same time. If there are sufficient spaces available in your assigned zone, our staff will accommodate you. No more than two spaces may be combined. After 5 p.m. on Friday, guests may check in on Saturday morning beginning at 7 a.m. Those without reservations may check in at this tent to see if there are any available open spaces. ID must be provided upon check-in and the ID must match the name on the reservation request.
- Ambassadors at the check-in tent will direct each guest to their tailgating location.
- All drop off for Virtual Land Rush will take place on Olsen Boulevard. We recommend guests arrive no later than two hours before kickoff to minimize traffic. You must check in at the tailgating tent and receive your designated location prior to dropping off any material.
VIRTUAL LAND RUSH PROCESS: AGGIE PARK
Aggie Park is the newest addition for tailgating at Texas A&M. All tailgating in Aggie Park — both free and paid — will require reservations. Requests for free reservations may be completed through the virtual land rush process. Paid reservations may be made by contacting Revel XP.
Virtual Land Rush Process
- Virtual land rush will begin at 6 p.m. Sunday evening before the next football game. Virtual land rush will end Tuesday at 5 p.m. NOTE: Any requests via the link below BEFORE 6 p.m. CT the Sunday prior to the game will be considered invalid and will NOT be honored. On a home game week, requests must be submitted between 6 p.m. CT on Sunday and 5 p.m. CT on Tuesday to be counted as a valid request.
- Visitors may request free tailgating spots by clicking on the virtual land rush link (posted below, when available).
- This link will direct you to a submission form…fill out the form and click submit.
- Confirmation emails will be sent out Wednesday morning with each guests’ location within the park. Guests will also be notified if the request cannot be honored because the park has reached capacity.
- Beginning Saturday morning at 7 a.m., guests with reservations may check in at the Aggie Tailgating Tent located near the J.V. “Pinky” Wilson statue located at the east end of War Hymn Lawn near Throckmorton Street. Those without reservations may check in at this tent to see if there are any available open spaces.
- All drop off for virtual land rush will take place on Throckmorton Street. We recommend guests arrive no later than two hours before kickoff to minimize traffic.
- Ambassadors at the check-in tent will direct each guest to their tailgating location.
- If there any questions regarding the virtual land rush process, please contact Aggie Park at 979-862-PLAY (7529).
Please see the list of rules for Aggie Park in the Site-Specific Rules section below.
MORE ON AGGIE PARK
Options In Aggie Park
The Association Of Former Students created Aggie Park with more than $35 million in donated funds, including the lead gift given in memory of Shannon Leah Roberts ‘86 by her husband, Wayne Roberts ‘85. It has more than twice the amount of space for relaxation, studying, picnics, tailgating, concerts, food trucks and more throughout the year.
The majority of tailgating space is designated for free access. Those areas detailed in the online map and include Freels family field, the Post Oak grove and the Throckmorton lawn.
The remainder of the tailgating space is for those paying Revel XP for a turnkey experience with a range of full-service options including iced coolers, tables, chairs, linens and more.
The timeline for the booking process is different depending on which of the 2 tailgating options is selected.
The virtual land rush reservation process will begin at 6 p.m. on Sunday prior to each home game.
A few policies:
- Individuals may reserve only up to two (2) free 15-by-15 plots per game.
- Patrons can’t book more than one game at a time, as reservations do not carry over.
- Fans must tailgate in the spots they are assigned.
- drag_handledeleteBasic Text BlockSelling a free space that was reserved is prohibited and will result in the loss of tailgating privileges.
The old land rush process will continue for tailgating around Reed Arena and other campus locations. The guidelines for tailgating are detailed below.
Paid tailgating: Reservations for paid spots are available now and locations can be booked for the entire football season or select dates.
Direct questions and feedback to 979-862-7547.
Please see site specific guidelines listed below for more tailgating information.
NOTE: All tailgating in Aggie Park, both free and paid, will require a reservation.
Paid reservations may be made by contacting Revel XP at 979-775-1700 or by visiting Revel XP Tailgating.
NOTE: No northbound traffic is permitted onto any campus roads from George Bush Drive postgame. Tailgaters must wait until campus roads reopen to access Aggie Park with their vehicles.
GENERAL RULES
- Individuals, groups and organizations holding or participating in tailgate parties are responsible for their own conduct and are expected to respect the rights of others and the entire university community.
- Individuals are responsible for compliance with all local and state laws governing alcohol consumption.
- Tailgating and the use of alcoholic beverages are prohibited on the Memorial Student Center (MSC) lawn, All Faiths Chapel grounds, Penberthy Intramural Fields, and inside university facilities, unless otherwise designated.
- Texas A&M students must also adhere to the Texas A&M University Student Rules governing consumption of alcoholic beverages as stated in Appendix VIII: Texas A&M University Alcohol Rules and the Laws That Apply to Student Organizations, On Campus Residents, and Others (Revised: 2013).
- Tailgating is not permitted inside or on the roof of any parking garages on university property. Additionally, barbecue pits are not permitted in these areas.
- Greenspaces within 15 feet of parking lots are reserved for fans with vehicles parked in those lots.
- No overnight occupancy is allowed in tailgating areas. Sites must be vacated by midnight on "set-up day." Tailgating sites open at 7a.m. on gameday and must be cleared and cleaned by midnight. If tailgating areas are unavailable to collect your materials due to road closure or contraflow traffic, we ask that you be ready to move out when the roads reopen. Any material left overnight after the game may be disposed of or taken to MSC Lost and Found by University staff.
- Driving or parking private vehicles on any and all greenspaces and sidewalks is prohibited.
- Tents or canopies must be secured and may not utilize stakes that penetrate the ground more than 12 inches. Tents may not obstruct sidewalks, drive lanes or pedestrian walkways. Tailgating amenities including furniture, grills, generators, cables or satellite dishes may not obstruct sidewalks, drive lanes or pedestrian walkways. Tents greater than 400 square feet may not have sides.
- All BBQ grills, propane or otherwise, should be attended to at all times. Fires built on the ground and open fire pit devices are prohibited. All devices must have a cover for safety.
- Only recreational generators are authorized for tailgating. Noise levels may not exceed 80 decibels. Generators must be located within the immediate tailgate site.
- Use of motorized recreational vehicles, including four-wheelers, golf carts, mules, gators, scooters, motorized skateboards, etc., is prohibited.
- Pets are not allowed to run at large in tailgating sites or on campus and must be leashed at all times according to local leash laws. Furthermore, animals shall not be left unattended or secured to university property. Clean up after your pet. Livestock or other wild animals are not permitted.
- Dispose of all trash in trash receptacles located in tailgating areas or pack it out. Tailgating sites should be kept clean throughout the day. Trash belongs in a bag or can, not on the ground. Hot coals must be doused and properly disposed of in specially designated coal dumpsters to prevent fires. The disposal of grease, hot coals or hazardous materials onto the grounds or into storm drains is prohibited.
- Any person damaging university property will be responsible for the cost of repairs, including grass and sprinkler damage.
- Texas A&M University, Texas A&M Athletics, the University Police Department and Transportation Services Department reserve the right to refuse service to anyone at any time — inappropriate behavior may result in the permanent loss of all parking and tailgating privileges.
- Texas A&M University is not responsible or liable for accidents, damage, loss or theft of materials/items/personal property left unattended.
- Any transactions, monetary or otherwise, and solicitations require approval of the University Concessions Committee. Typically, approvals are not given for tailgating areas on gamedays: University Rule 21.99.09.M1 – Access to University Property for Sales and Solicitation Purposes.
- Amplified bands and loud music are not permitted in any tailgating site.
- Portable toilets may not be moved from their assigned spots in order to accommodate a particular tailgate. Also, requests cannot be made to portable toilet vendors to set up toilets at individual tailgates. Requests can be made as to the placement of toilets in order to better accommodate the tailgate population.
- Stages, platforms or other elevated surfaces are not permitted.
- Oversized letters, furniture or signs are not permitted in the park. Decisions of tailgating staff are final.
- Most mobile carnival rides
- Most theme park rides
- Most water park rides and devices
- Go-karts
- Rock climbing walls
- Bungee jumps
- Zip lines
- Mechanical bulls
- Trackless trains
- Continuous air-flow inflatable rides/devices (bounce houses, inflatable slides), and various simulators
23. Selling a tailgating spot that was granted during virtual land rush is prohibited. Violators will have all tailgating privileges revoked.
SITE-SPECIFIC RULES
OPEN ACCESS SITES
Open access sites are any tailgating areas that are outside of the 15 feet distance from designated parking lots and are not tied to parking privileges. They are available to any patrons who setup a tailgate based on the responsible tailgating general rules and these additional site-specific rules.
AGGIE PARK
- Each guest may reserve up to two 15’ x 15’ spaces. If you are combining tailgate spaces with another person, no more than 4 spaces can be combined.
- Selling of reserved spaces is strictly prohibited and will result in the loss of tailgating privileges.
- Each space may have one 10’ x 10’ tent. If a guest receives a confirmation for two spaces, they may have two tents or one 10’ x 20’ pop-up tent.
- All tents should be pop-up style and secured with stakes no more than 12 inches in length.
- BBQ grills on trailers are not permitted. All grills must be propane or electric. Use of coals or wood is not permitted.
- Oversized letters, furniture or signs are not permitted in the park. Decisions of tailgating staff are final.
- Recreational generators are permitted. They must not exceed 80 decibels. Special care and consideration should be taken when managing fuel and extension cords. Generators must be kept within the immediate area of the 15’ x 15’ space and cannot be placed on sidewalks or infringe on other tailgate sites.
- Tailgating supplies may be brought to reserved sites beginning at 7 a.m. on gameday. Supplies may not be left on sidewalk or streets before 7 a.m. on gameday.
- Driving or parking private vehicles on greenspaces is prohibited. Tailgating supplies must be hand-carried to the site from the designated loading areas. All supplies must be maintained within the claimed spaces.
- Fishing in the lake from the shoreline is acceptable. Guests may not fish from the bridge. Entering the lake is prohibited.
- Houston Street will be closed four hours pregame. Throckmorton and Houston Streets will be closed to inbound traffic for at least one hour post-game. Please consider these closures for drop-off and pickup of supplies.
WEST CAMPUS/REED ARENA
(not including areas bordering Olsen Boulevard)
Tailgating spaces in this area are secured by “land rush.” unless otherwise designated, site setup may begin no earlier than 9 a.m. on setup day, (the day immediately preceding and NCAA recognized campus sporting event). Claiming tailgate areas prior to 9 a.m. on setup day is prohibited. Any tailgating materials left on site before setup day may be removed without notice. Please contact Aggieland Tailgating at 979-862-7547 to reclaim materials.
- Tents may be secured by using stakes which penetrate the ground to a maximum depth of 12 inches. If your tent cannot be safely secured using a depth of less than 12 inches, we recommend you contact the manufacturer to recommend alternative forms of ballast or use a combination of smaller tents.
- Generators are permitted in this area and must be equipped with a noise reducing device like a manufacturer-approved cover or muffler. Special care and consideration should be taken when managing fuel and extension cords affiliated with generators.
- All sidewalks, drive lanes and fire lanes must be kept clear of all equipment and vehicles. Cords, generators, satellite dishes, etc. must be confined to allotted space and cannot be stretched across drive lanes.
- Driving or parking private vehicles on any and all greenspaces and sidewalks is prohibited.
- Trailer mounted grills, smokers or televisions may be placed in the greenspaces provided the towing vehicle does not enter the greenspace. All trailer mounted units, including tow hitches, should be able to fit within the confines of a normal parking space. Units larger than a normal space should be parked in the oversized vehicle lot or Fan Field.
- Use of university electricity for tailgating is prohibited. Please do not plug into any university outlet or power panel for personal use.
- Olsen Boulevard will be closed four hours before the start of the game between Kimbrough and Rec Center Drive. It will reopen after kickoff. Many West Campus streets close again during the third quarter until 90 minutes after the game ends or when traffic clears.
- In case of emergency, call 911. For non-emergencies call University Police at 979-845-2345.
OVERSIZED VEHICLE SITES (NEAR LOT 95)
- Oversized vehicle sites are designed for buses, vans and trailers that might be used for tailgating, but do not meet requirements for RV lots and are too large for regular parking lot designation. These oversized vehicle spaces may be reserved through Transportation Services at 979-862-7943.
- Generators must be equipped with a noise reducing device like a manufacturer-approved cover or muffler. Special care and consideration should be taken when managing fuel and extension cords affiliated with generators.
- No parking accommodations are made for guests in this area. Guests must purchase a parking space for their vehicle in areas designated for public parking.
- All sidewalks, drive lanes and fire lanes must be kept clear of all equipment and vehicles. Cords, generators, satellite dishes, etc. must be confined to allotted space and cannot be stretched across drive lanes.
- In case of emergency, call 911. For non-emergencies call University Police at 979-845-2345.
RESERVED TENT SITES AND VISITING TEAM SPECIAL EVENT SITES
- Revel XP will offer a range of full service, turnkey tailgating services to guests located in Simpson Drill Field, just north of Kyle Field, Aggie Park and Reed Arena.
- All tailgating equipment, which includes tents, tables, chairs and even full media packages, will be set up in advance. Guests will also have the option to reserve coolers filled with ice, paper products and utensils, as well as several choices for full-service catering. Revel XP will set up, tear down and clean up your site.
- Additional information on tailgating packages can be found by visiting revelxp.com/texas-a-m or by calling 979-775-1700.
GUIDE TO RESPONSBILE TAILGATING
RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
University Rules permit the use of alcoholic beverages at tailgate parties or picnic activities at NCAA intercollegiate athletic events only on the day of the event and in the general proximity of the event, including outdoor locations or in outdoor parking areas. The use of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on the MSC Lawn, the All Faiths Chapel Grounds, and inside university facilities unless otherwise designated. In accordance with the alcoholic beverage laws of the State of Texas individuals must be at least 21 years old to purchase, possess, or consume alcoholic beverages. The use of alcoholic beverages by members of the Texas A&M University community is at all times subject to the alcoholic beverage laws of the State of Texas.
Most importantly, individuals, groups and organizations holding or participating in tailgate parties are responsible for their own conduct and are expected to respect the rights of others and the entire University community.
Texas A&M students must also adhere to the Texas A&M University Student Rules governing consumption of alcoholic beverages as stated in Appendix VIII: Texas A&M University Alcohol Rules and the Laws That Apply to Student Organizations, On Campus Residents,and Others (Revised: 2013)
COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY
Any transactions, monetary or otherwise, and solicitations require approval of the University Concessions Committee. Typically, approvals are not given for tailgating areas on game days. University Rule 21.99.09.M1 – Access to University Property for Sales and Solicitation Purposes
Any and all events that are defined under "solicitation" must obtain permission in advance. Student groups may accomplish this using the new E concessions permit form located on the student activities webpage.
OPERATING HOURS
On game day, tailgating will begin at 7:00 AM to better coordinate with our scheduled parking lot opening times. All tailgating spaces should be cleared and cleaned no later than midnight on game day. If tailgating areas are unavailable to collect your materials due to road closure or contraflow traffic, we ask that you be ready to move out when the roads reopen.
Time for set up on West Campus begins at noon the day before the game. Time for set up in Aggie Park begins at 7 a.m. the day of the game. Tailgating materials set up before noon on West Campus and 7 a.m. in Aggie Park will be removed. This includes any materials left on the sidewalks or streets. Overnight camping in either location is not allowed.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why did Texas A&M develop a plan for responsible tailgating?
Tailgating and picnicking before Texas A&M Athletics events has enjoyed increasing popularity over the last several years, and we anticipate that it will continue to grow in the future. Increased participation has led to more safety concerns and damage to the campus. The plan for responsible tailgating was developed to help ensure that the gameday experience remains friendly, fun, safe and family-oriented activities celebrating a day of athletic competition.
How do I reserve a spot in Aggie Park?
All tailgating in Aggie Park will require a Reservation. Paid reservations may be made by contacting Revel XP at 979-775-1700 or by visiting Revel XP Tailgating.
Reservations for free spots in Aggie Park may be reserved through the virtual land rush process.
What is virtual land rush?
Virtual land rush is an online reservation system used to reserve spots in Aggie Park. This will replace the old “land rush,” and guests will no longer have to wait outside in the elements for the horn to blow to claim their spot.
I have never tailgated before. What do I do?
There are several steps you will need to take to ensure a successful gameday tailgate.
- Consider your parking situation on gameday. If you are parked in one of the 12th Man lots, you will have access to the first 15 feet of green space surrounding that lot to tailgate.
- Decide if you would like you would like to utilize one of our free open-access sites around campus or utilize a reserved location. Those wishing to utilize a reserved location for a hassle-free experience and turnkey tailgate provided by Revel XP may contact them at 979-775-1700.
- Read both the general rules and the site-specific rules (listed above). These will help give you an idea of which open access space you would like to tailgate.
- Claim your space!
- All of our open access spaces are first-come, first-served beginning at noon the day before the game. Many people will come out early and start discussing locations they would like to be in when the air horn blows at noon. Leaving a tent frame in your location will secure your spot. You may also create a perimeter using a variety of other methods. We encourage you to reach out to a tailgating ambassador on Friday if you have questions.
- Make plans to drop off your supplies as near to your tailgate as possible taking into account any road closures associated with gameday.
- Keep your tailgate clean by utilizing university trash receptacles or bringing your own if there are none nearby.
- If you are still not sure about what to do or have questions, call Aggieland Tailgating at 979-862-7547.
What are open access sites?
Open access sites are any tailgating areas that are outside of the 15-feet distance from designated parking lots and are not tied to parking privileges. They do not require a reservation and are available to any patrons who setup a tailgate based on responsible tailgating general rules and the additional open access site-specific rules (listed above).
What kinds of safety concerns relate to tailgating?
With the increasing number of fans enjoying tailgating activities on gameday, there are increasing concerns about pedestrian safety, fire safety, utilities infrastructure, sanitation and the responsible consumption of alcoholic beverages.
What steps should I take in setting up my tent/canopy?
The Tailgating Management Team advises that tents and canopies should be anchored appropriately (e.g. sandbags, water barrels, stakes.) Unanchored tents/canopies easily can blow over and present a safety hazard as well as causing damage to property. Please help ensure that tailgating and picnicking remain friendly, fun, safe and family-oriented activities for Aggies of all ages.
Effective immediately, tents secured in non-reserved areas may not use stakes that penetrate the ground deeper than 12 inches. This is in compliance with University Policies 21.99.09.M0.01 Tents on Campus and 24.99.99.M0.01 University Utility Locate Procedure.
If your tent cannot be safely secured using stakes that penetrate the ground 12 inches or less, we recommend you contact the manufacturer regarding alternate forms of ballast including sand, concrete blocks or water barrels or use multiple smaller tents. University water supplies will not be made available.
May I use a generator?
Generators may be used in all sites. They must be classified as recreational generators with a noise level not to exceed 80 decibels.
What size pit/grill may I use?
Guests who wish to utilize a tailgate trailer may do so in the greenspaces surrounding 12th Man parking lots or the Reed Arena lawn. Trailer-mounted grills, smokers or televisions may be placed in the greenspaces provided the towing vehicle does not enter the greenspace. All trailer-mounted units, including tow hitches, should be able to fit within the confines of a normal parking space. Units larger than a normal space should be parked in the oversized vehicle lot or Fan Field.
How should I dispose of hot coals?
Hot coals must be doused and properly disposed of in specially designated coal receptacle to prevent fires. Fires built on the ground and open fire pit devices are prohibited.
Where can people with disabilities park and still have easy access to Kyle Field?
Individuals with disabilities may park in Parking Area 88 or the University Center Garage. Shuttle buses will take them to the front (Joe Routt entrance) of Kyle Field.
What is the Fan Zone around Kyle Field?
The Fan Zone is a pedestrian zone before the game. Joe Routt Boulevard is closed to vehicular traffic between Wellborn Road and Throckmorton. Houston Street from the University Center Garage entrance to Joe Routt Boulevard is closed beginning at 6 a.m. on gamedays and reopens one hour after the game ends. Houston Street from the George Bush Dr. to University Center Garage entrance is closed four hours before kickoff. Team bus and emergency vehicles have limited access. The streets reopen one hour after the game. The Tailgating Management team advises that pedestrians use caution when crossing streets and driveways and to keep careful watch of children, particularly when leaving the stadium.
Where are restrooms located?
Permanent restroom facilities are located in the Memorial Student Center, Koldus Building and the Rudder Theatre Complex. The Association of Former Students is also hosting Aggie fans in the Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center near Kyle Field. Other campus buildings are not open for public restroom use. Portable toilets are located around other campus buildings and parking lots.
Can I promote an off-campus event from a tailgating site?
You are welcome to promote all types of activities; however, any transactions, monetary or otherwise, and solicitations require approval of the University Concessions Committee. Typically, approvals are not given for tailgating areas on gamedays. (University Rule 21.99.09.M1 – Access to University Property for Sales and Solicitation Purposes)
Whom do I contact if I have questions or concerns about tailgating?
Please direct all feedback to (979) 862-7547.
