We’re excited to announce two tailgating opportunities on Longwood basketball gamedays this season:
These opportunities are in response to requests for more tailgating options beyond Homecoming & Alumni Weekend. While these gatherings won’t include any of the Homecoming elements like a Spirit Zone or vendors, they provide a great chance to connect with fellow Lancers in a casual setting. Your tailgate will be what you make of it—bring your friends, favorite food, drinks and gear to enjoy before cheering on the Lancers!
Tailgating will be allowed in the Reid Lot (Race Street and Vine Street), beginning four hours before tipoff and ending two hours after the game. Spaces are limited and require a $20 permit (one space per permit).
Questions? Contact alumni@longwood.edu.
Tailgate Parking Map (pdf)
SECURE YOUR TAILGATE PERMIT:
Saturday, Feb. 8 (Men vs. Radford)
Saturday, Feb. 22 (Women vs. UNC Asheville)
Tailgating FAQ
- Can I tailgate in any Longwood parking lot?
- Tailgating is allowed only within the Reid Lot located along Race Street and Vine Street, and a permit is required.
- What time does the tailgate start and end?
- The tailgating area will open four hours before tipoff and will close two hours after the game ends.
- How do I reserve a tailgate space?
- A limited number of tailgate permits are available for $20. Registration for both Feb. 8 and Feb. 22 is open.
- Can I come to the tailgate even if I don’t have a tailgate permit?
- Yes, you can join friends who have a tailgate permit, but you will not have your own reserved space.
- Will there be food or drinks for sale?
- No, attendees should plan to bring their own food and drink (BYOB).
- Do you offer any prepared food options?
- Several local restaurants would be happy to prepare food for you! Here are a few. Simply call to order your tailgate package and schedule a time to pick it up at their location in town.
- Fishin’ Pig (434) 223-3288
- Bojangles (434) 392-3063
- Grateful Fed (434) 394-0424
- Chick-fil-A (434) 315-0232
- What should I bring to the tailgate?
- Those with a tailgate permit will have enough space for one car, a tent, table(s) and chairs—and your favorite tailgate games.
- What should I wear?
- Show that team spirit with blue and white, of course! But also dress comfortably and consider the weather conditions.
- Are there restroom facilities at the tailgate?
- Yes, there will be portable restroom facilities located inside the tailgate lot.
- What's the expected behavior at the tailgate?
- Please respect other tailgaters. Disruptive, disrespectful or disorderly behavior is not allowed. Offenders may be asked to leave and could be cited.
- Can I bring pets to the tailgate?
- No animals are allowed in the designated tailgate area, except for trained service animals for fans with disabilities.
- What about alcohol, smoking and vaping?
- Longwood University strictly adheres to the alcohol, smoking and vaping rules set by both the university and the state of Virginia. Our campus is smoke-free, with designated areas for smoking and vaping. It's essential to know that alcohol cannot be served to anyone under 21, and providing alcohol to underage individuals may result in legal consequences and personal liability. Tailgate hosts (attendees with a tailgate permit) don’t require a special license to serve their friends and guests, but are responsible for any injuries or issues arising from serving alcohol, especially to minors. While you’re welcome to enjoy alcoholic beverages within the tailgating area, please remember not to take them to other parts of the campus or public streets nearby. Open containers should remain within the tailgate perimeter. Drinking games and devices meant to accelerate alcohol consumption are not allowed, and kegs require expressed permission. Lastly, driving under the influence is illegal, and Virginia’s DUI laws are enforced on and around the campus. So, for everyone's safety, please #celebrateresponsibly.
- Can I play music?
- Yes, but please be respectful of other tailgaters.
- Will food or beverages from the tailgate be allowed in the Joan Perry Brock Center for the game?
- Outside food and beverages are not allowed in the Joan Perry Brock Center. However, there are two concession stands in the Joan Perry Brock Center serving food and beverages, including Pepsi products, hotdogs, nachos, popcorn, chips, beer and wine. Also please note, Joan Perry Brock Center has a clear-bag policy. To learn more, visit the JPB website.
- Where will my tailgate space(s) be located?
- Cars with a tailgate permit will be parked in the order they arrive. If you want to tailgate near another party, please coordinate arriving together.
- Do I need to bring anything to show I have a tailgate permit?
- Attendees with a tailgate permit should plan to bring their confirmation (printed or on their mobile device) in case staff need to see it upon arrival.
- Can I bring RVs or large trucks?
- RVs and similar large vehicles are not allowed due to space restrictions. If you have a large truck, please inform the Alumni Office at (434) 395-2044 in advance to make suitable accommodations.
- What should I bring?
- Tailgate setups range from a cooler and a couple of chairs to more extensive setups with a tent, tables, grill, etc. You will be given space next to your vehicle for your tailgate setup. Here are some items to consider:
- Canopy or tent
- Folding chairs
- Folding table(s)
- Cooler
- Beverages (Both alcoholic and nonalcoholic options, based on your preferences. Don’t forget water!)
- Food and snacks, condiments
- Portable grill (propane only)
- Plates, cups, utensils and cooking tools
- Napkins and paper towels
- Trash bags
- Ice packs or ice to keep beverages and perishables cool
- Portable phone charger
- Lancer gear
- Sunglasses
- Games and entertainment (cornhole, frisbee, football, etc.)
- Identification (Carry your ID, wallet and any necessary cards)
- Rain gear or blankets (if needed)
- Friends and family (tailgating is more enjoyable with a group, so invite friends and family to join the fun!)
- Will there be power outlets nearby?
- No electricity will be available, so plan appropriately, especially if you’ll be cooking during the tailgate.
- Are there any rules for food and grilling?
- Gas grills are allowed but must be elevated at least 1 foot above the parking surface to avoid damage. Charcoal grills and open pit fires need permission in advance from the Alumni Office; call (434) 395-2044. Gas grills are restricted to 10-gallon propane tanks per vehicle. Gas generators are prohibited. Ensure all flames are extinguished before attending the game.
- Are there any rules for tailgate setups?
- Tailgate setups, such as tents, grills and seating, must not hinder vehicle safety. See the full guidelines below.
- Will my tailgate property be safe?
- The safety and security of personal property are the owner’s responsibility. Don’t leave personal property unattended.
- What are the rules for tents in windy conditions?
- Tents must be secured against wind. If wind gusts exceed 20 mph, closely monitor or take down tents. The use of pegs to secure tents in parking lots is not allowed.
- Can I sell something at the tailgate?
- Items for sale are not permitted within the tailgate lot without permission from the Alumni Office.
- What’s the cleanup procedure?
- Garbage cans will be limited, so please bring your own garbage bags to contain waste in your individual area. Any items left on site overnight will be donated or thrown away.
Responsible Tailgating Guidelines
Longwood University wants you to have an enjoyable experience during your visit to campus. The tailgating rules below are designed to ensure your safety and comfort.
Tailgating Parking
- Tailgating is only permissible within the designated perimeter. Attendees with a tailgate permit may need to present their confirmation to event staff (printed or on their mobile device) upon arrival.
- Due to space restrictions, RVs and other similar larger vehicles are not allowed. If you have a large truck, please let us know so that we can accommodate you accordingly.
- Tailgate parking will be conducted “festival-style,” meaning vehicles will be parked as they arrive. If you wish to park next to another person with a permit, please coordinate arriving together.
- The tailgating area will open four hours before tipoff for those with tailgating permits and will close two hours after the game ends.
- Tailgate setups— tent, grill, seating, etc.—may not prohibit the ability of vehicles to traverse safely.
- All vehicles in a tailgate space should be moved no later than two hours after the conclusion of the game.
Respectful and Safe Environment
- Persons acting in a disruptive, disrespectful or disorderly manner will be asked to leave the premises and are subject to citation.
- For the safety of all concerned, the use of recreational items such as bicycles, skateboards, in-line skates and motorized vehicles such as recreational scooters are prohibited within the designated tailgate area.
- No household furniture—sofas, recliners, etc.— is allowed within the designated tailgate area and/or spaces.
- The safety and security of personal property is the sole responsibility of its owner. Do not leave personal property unattended.
- Tents must be secured against wind. If wind gusts exceed 20 mph, tents need to be closely monitored or taken down.
- Use of pegs to secure tents in parking lots is not permissible.
- No animals will be permitted in the designated tailgate area and/or spaces, with the exception of trained service animals for fans with disabilities.
- For safety purposes, all tents, chairs, etc., must be put away before heading to the basketball game in the Joan Perry Brock Center.
- No items for sale are permitted within the tailgate lot without permission from the Office of Alumni and Career Success.
- Those with a tailgate permit (a tailgate host) should educate all group members and guests about these rules as each tailgate host is responsible for their guests.
Food and Grilling
- Gas grills are permitted in university surface lots and must be elevated at least 1 foot above the parking surface so that heat does not cause damage to the asphalt. Charcoal grills and open pit fires are prohibited without permission from the Office of Alumni and Career Success. Gas grills are restricted to 10-gallon propane tanks per vehicle.
- Gas generators are prohibited.
- Extinguish all flames prior to leaving your area to attend the game.
Alcohol Consumption, Smoking and Vaping
- University and Virginia state statutes and regulations on smoking, vaping, drug and alcohol consumption will be enforced.
- University policy and state law preclude the serving of alcoholic beverages to anyone less than 21 years of age.
- Attendees who furnish alcohol to underage students may incur criminal risks and personal civil liability exposure.
- Those with a tailgate permit (a tailgate host) do not need a license to serve their invited guests who fall within the usual understanding of friends and personal visitors.
- A tailgate host, however, may be liable to the guests and others for injuries resulting from serving alcohol, especially to a minor.
- Longwood University is a nonsmoking campus. Those who wish to smoke or vape should do so in one of the designated areas on campus.While allowed within the tailgating area, consumption of alcoholic beverages in any other part of the campus or on public streets that run through or are adjacent to campus is prohibited. Alcoholic beverages and open containers of alcoholic beverages must remain within the fenced-in area.
- Drinking games and the use of devices intended to accelerate the consumption of alcohol are prohibited.
- Kegs are prohibited without permission from the Office of Alumni and Career Services.
- Driving under the influence is illegal. The commonwealth of Virginia’s drinking and driving laws will be enforced on and around campus.
Clean Up
- Garbage cans will be limited. You must bring your own garbage bags to contain garbage in your individual area.
- Properly dispose of garbage in area bins, or, if possible, take it with you.
- Items left on site overnight will be donated or thrown away.
