Football season is right around the corner, and Tiger fans have even more to be excited about this year - a new student tailgating lot opening just off of Tiger Lane.
Student groups can reserve a spot for the season or per game in the tailgating area, which is north of the Mid-South Coliseum just off of Early Maxwell Boulevard.
There are 45 spots in the tailgating area, and it's already filling up fast, according to Jessica Tatum, a Student Government Association executive cabinet member.
"The new student lot this year is better than the one last year," Tatum, a sophomore exercise science major, said. "We are closer to Tiger Lane and are able to make the community atmosphere."
It doesn't cost anything to reserve a spot in the student tailgating lot and students get into Tiger football games for free with their ID card.
Students can use the space to do just about anything in their tailgating lot, like play corn hole, eat their favorite game-day dishes and express their Tiger pride. Alcohol is allowed everywhere on the lot, except in the main SGA tent.
Tatum said the goal is to get students off Tiger Lane and into their own space.
Ricky Kirby Jr., SGA president, hopes that the student lot will move closer to Tiger Lane as each season passes.
"We plan on letting student groups reserve spots in the tailgating village, and students who would like free parking will have to pick up passes at the (University Center) Information Desk starting Mondays before home games," Kirby said.
Several RSOs have reserved a spot in the new student lot, including the Highland Hundred, Delta Vibe, Tigers Teach Student Society and the Reformed University Fellowship.
To reserve a spot in the student lot, email Jessica Tatum at jntatum1@memphis.edu. Reservations have to be made by Sept. 5.
Tigers will open up their season at home against the Duke Blue Devils. The game is scheduled for Sept. 7 at 3:30 p.m. at the Liberty Bowl.
