LaGrange College, a four-year liberal arts college in Georgia, has released new guidelines for parking and tailgating on its campus during high school football games. The college says the new rules are in place to provide a safe and secure environment and to protect and preserve the property of the college.
Parking fees and zones
According to the college, parking will only be allowed in designated lots and in parking spaces. Parking on the grass or curbs will not be allowed. Parking in the Callaway Auditorium lot will cost $10 per vehicle, while parking in the Cleaveland Field lot and Westside lot will cost $5 per vehicle. Patrons wishing to set up a tailgate will pay a $15 fee in the Callaway lot and a $10 fee in the Cleaveland and Westside lots. Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis and may begin at 4 PM on game day. Patrons wishing to set up a tailgate prior to 4 PM game day must pay the tailgate fee online. Tailgate setup will be allowed up to 24 hours before game time.
Parking restrictions and regulations
The college also states that any vehicle parked illegally will be towed by A LaGrange Towing at the owner’s expense. As the new rules go into effect, Synergy Security Services will oversee parking services for the college during high school football games. Anyone with additional questions can contact Synergy Security Services at 706-880-8911.
The college also reminds patrons that all parking regulations and restrictions are in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All yellow curbs are considered fire zones and therefore, parking is prohibited. Vehicles parked on yellow curbs will be towed. No reverse parking is allowed. Vehicles may not be backed into parking spaces. Decal and tag should be facing outward, visible to security driving by. The speed limit for motor vehicles is 10 mph except where slower speed is essential for safety. Vehicles must be parked within the lines provided. Parking on or over the line or curb is a violation.
The person in whose name a parking permit is registered will be responsible for any violations. All vehicles operated on the campus by administration, faculty, staff, and students (both residential and commuters) must be registered and must bear a clearly visible decal affixed on the outside of the vehicle’s lower left back window. Motorcycles must also be registered.
Boats, trailers, and campers are not allowed on the main campus longer than 24 hours during the regular school year. Persons authorized to have vehicles will be allowed one week from the first day of classes to register them without penalty provided they have been parking in the proper zone. Parking permits are valid for one year beginning in August. A student will be allowed to register a second personal vehicle for an additional fee.
Impact of the new rules
The new rules are expected to affect many patrons who attend high school football games at Callaway Stadium, which is located on the college’s campus. The stadium hosts home games for three local high schools: LaGrange High School, Troup County High School, and Callaway High School. The stadium has a capacity of 10,000 spectators and is often filled with fans cheering for their teams.
Some patrons have expressed their dissatisfaction with the new rules, saying that they are unfair and inconvenient. They argue that they should not have to pay for parking on a public property that is funded by taxpayers. They also complain that the new rules will limit their options for tailgating and socializing before and after the games.
Others have welcomed the new rules, saying that they are necessary and reasonable. They contend that the college has the right to manage its own property and to ensure safety and security for everyone. They also point out that the parking fees are not too expensive and that they will help support the college’s operations and maintenance.
