Item C: Exceptions for Tailgating Around Autzen Stadium

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ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Work Session: Exceptions for Tailgating Around Autzen Stadium Meeting Date: July 23, 2007 Agenda Item Number: C Department: Eugene Police Staff Contact: Captain Pete Kerns www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 682-5252 ISSUE STATEMENT This is a work session to discuss a proposed amendment to the Eugene City Code (EC 4.190) that would allow public alcohol consumption at certain properties around Autzen Stadium on home football game days, provided they comply with certain conditions. The amended ordinance would resolve the disparity in which an exemption exists for people tailgating in the Autzen Stadium parking lot, but not for those in neighboring, private pay-for-use lots, and correct an enforcement dilemma in which standards are enforced elsewhere throughout the City except around Autzen Stadium on home football game days. Finally, the new standards are intended to promote more responsible behavior by tailgating fans. BACKGROUND The City Council held a work session February 26, 2007, to discuss options for addressing tailgating activities near Autzen Stadium on game days. On scheduled home football game days, the Eugene City Code exempts Autzen Stadium from code prohibitions on alcohol consumption in a public place and on private property. The exemption currently does not extend to neighboring properties where similar activity occurs. The council asked staff to consider a number of factors when recommending a solution, including a licensing requirement for the property owners making parking spaces available for tailgaters. A number of not-for profit organizations fund programs through pay-for-use parking on game days. The City also must be able to effectively deter consumption of alcoholic beverages by minors, unlawful sales of alcohol, and disorderly conduct associated with alcohol. And, there is the question of fairness between what is allowed in the Autzen parking lot and at neighboring pay-for-use lots. The City’s police resources are limited on game days and little enforcement of alcohol violations are possible. In addition, the City does not have the capacity to significantly add to its permitting and licensing responsibilities. Due to these limitations, the proposed solution relies on public information to educate the tailgating public as to the special circumstances that allow tailgating, rather than utilizing a purely regulatory approach to resolve the issues. The University of Oregon has indicated that it is interested in continuing its educational approach to tailgating and ticket-holder behavior and could provide similar information to tailgaters using its facilities. L:\CMO\2007 Council Agendas\M070723\S070723C.doc