Homecoming Festival and Tailgate
Saturday, February 7, 2026
Lot L near Eaglebank Arena
Vehicle Load-in begins at 11:00 am and ends at 12:00 pm.
Festival and Tailgate are open to pedestrians from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Tailgate – Parking Pass Permits are on sale NOW:
All vehicles entering the tailgate lot must be permitted.
Show your Patriot pride with your green and gold spirit as Mason Nation gathers for the Homecoming Tailgate! A tailgate parking permit pass entitles you to two parking spots to accommodate one vehicle and up to eight guests. See below for George Mason University tailgate rules and regulations.
Tailgating Rules and Policies
Edited 11/2025
GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY TAILGATE RULES AND REGULATIONS (UPDATED NOVEMBER 2025)
Our campus community loves the passion and enthusiasm our students, faculty, staff, alumni and fans share for Mason! Below are tailgate policies and guidelines to ensure all of our Patriots have a safe, enjoyable, and fun experience.
General Policies
- Vehicles, occupants, and personal effects may only occupy two parking spaces; spaces must be immediately adjacent to one another.
- Campers, recreational vehicles, trailers, party buses and box trucks are prohibited.
- The removal of barricades, warning lines, barrels, or other traffic and pedestrian control devices is strictly prohibited.
- Driving or parking vehicles on green spaces or sidewalks is prohibited.
- Vehicles, grills, chairs, and other personal effects may not block roadways, sidewalks, fire hydrants, doorways, or otherwise obstruct pedestrian or vehicle traffic.
- Professional tailgate services, sale of alcohol, or sale of merchandise is prohibited.
- Pets are permitted on a leash and must remain outside of university buildings.
- Only tents 10 x 10 or smaller are permitted in the tailgate area. All tents must:
- Be secured by weights or anchors
- No cooking device or open flame is used under the tent
Alcohol & Drug Policies
- Only those attendees who are 21 and over may consume alcohol.
- Consumption is limited to within the perimeter of the tailgate lot.
- All attendees, whether entering in a vehicle or though the pedestrian entrances will have their government-issued ID checked and those 21 and over will be furnished with a wrist band. Those under the age of 21 will have their hand marked.
- Alcohol consumption during outdoor events and tailgates is regulated by the Code of Virginia section §4.1-308. Public intoxication, vandalism, obscene or harassing behavior, public indecency and violence (or threats of violence) will not be tolerated and should be reported to the nearest law enforcement official or by calling University police at (703) 993-2810.
- All containers are subject to search by security services or University Police.
- The unlawful possession, distribution, or use of drugs or controlled substances is are prohibited.
- Professional tailgate services, sale of alcohol, or sale of merchandise is prohibited.
Grill Policies
- Grills (propane or charcoal) may not be used under a tent, structure, or within 25 feet of a building.
- All grill ash and coals must be completely extinguished and disposed of in metal fire resistant bins before leaving a grill unattended.
Prohibited Items
- Glass containers
- Fireworks
- Weapons
- Drones
- Gasoline powered appliances
- Fire pits
- Propane heaters
- Lasers
- Tiki torches
- Rides
- Portable generators
- Deep fryers
- Miniature motorized vehicles
- Other items deemed dangerous or unsafe by the Event Organizer
Unlawful behavior, public intoxication, underage consumption of alcohol, and behaviors that endangers the public or property are not permitted on university property. University Police are authorized to enforce university policies and may, at their discretion, restrict or prohibit access to university property. Individuals or groups who do not comply with this policy or relevant laws may be subject to removal from the tailgate area or university property. Tailgating activities may be cancelled at the discretion of university officials for reasons of public safety.