University of Mississippi - Ole Miss Yearbook (Oxford, MS)

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By: Taylor Davenport Photos: LeAnna Young A mass of sundresses and blazers finish their Grove drinks, throwing aside their Solo cups once the final contents are tossed back. A sea of empty red cups litter the sidewalks leading to the stadium. To the untrained eye, it seems no alcohol has entered the gates of Vaught- Hemingway Stadium. But it ' s known by all game-goers that not everyone leaves their alcohol behind. The University Athletics policy says that alcohol is prohibited in the Vaught in an effort to encourage an enjoyable experience for all fans. The stadium ' s alcohol policy clearly states the following: The possession or consumption of alcohol in the general seating areas of [the stadium] is expressly prohibited by university policy. Nevertheless, students constantly put this policy to the test. Though gate security checks coats, pockets, undergarments, and boots for liquor, not all is confiscated. Much alcohol makes it through the gates unnoticed. Once in the stands, it is evident alcohol has been snuck in. Flasks are passed from friend to friend. Drinks are quickly mixed from airplane bottles of liquor pulled from purses, while rum and Coke rain down every time the Rebels score a touchdown. Sophomore Patrick Salter has witnessed the ineffectiveness of the stadium alcohol policy first hand. I ' ve seen tons of people mixing game to help me forget how ' we are. soda and alcohol in the bathrooms of the stadium during the game, Salter said. He recommended a possible solution to the problem: only sell bottles (not cups of soda) at the concession stands. Yes people would still bring in alcohol to put in their drinks, but nobody wants to shake up their Coke bottle, said Salter. Some underage students are discouraged from sneaking alcohol into the football game because they fear punishment from gate security or police. At the game versus Georgia, freshman Donny Passarella had a better idea than to try to take the alcohol into the stadium himself. I gave my alcohol to a family friend of mine before the game hoping to meet up with him later, said Passarella. Contrary to some students ' beliefs, if alcohol is found on a person at the gate, no major punishment is enforced. The container is simply confiscated and thrown into a large red or blue trash can. Then the student is free to proceed into the stadium. Students are only in danger of being kicked out of the game if they question authority in any way. Some students see the alcohol policy as a necessity to maintain order, while others argue just the opposite: that alcohol is a must to make it through the game. Judging by our football season this year, said junior Tyler Penny, I need drinking during the game to help me forget how terrible we are. 20 ■ Student Life

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Not paying your tickets can re? an even bigger fine -- a bo. Where you ' re parked doesn ' t earn you the boot, but receiving three tickets jTfJdying TOTAL SPOTS AVAILABLE: 12,622 FINES: Commuter Residence Hall Decal: $15 First Offense $25 second offense $45 third offense. South Lot Old Walmart Deca $30 First offense $50 second offense $90 third offense. TOTAL DECALS SOLD: 14,590 DECAL PRICES: Resident Hall Non Resident Hall: $75 South Lot Old Walmart: $20 Additional vehicles $15 per vehicle Parking Painsa

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7. A student chugs his Grove drink before entering the stadium. 2. A student opens her bag for security. 3. After waiting in line, security checks a students purse l 4. Logan Clements, a fre: business economics major, is frisked by gate security before being allowed into the game. Alcohol 21