Homecoming Game Day Festival

Homecoming Tailgate and Festival

Saturday, January 27
FESTIVAL TIME 12 - 3PM
Lot A near EagleBank Arena

Celebrate Homecoming with friends and alumni at the annual Tailgate and Festival!

This year in the Festival area, you’ll see:

• Spirit Bracelets and Face Painting in our warming tent
• Hot cocoa and snacks, including make your own S’mores
• Inflatable attractions and yard games - Mini Golf, Axe Throwing, and more!
• Mason-themed giveaways - Visit the SI2GO Truck for a FREE CLEAR TOTE Giveaway* in collaboration with Mason Athletics!
• Alumni VIP Tent plus departments and alumni affinity group tents
• FREE* food trucks featuring Fried Oreos and Pizza

Entry to the festival areas is FREE and for all ages!

*Mason giveaways and free food trucks are for current Mason students only. Must show valid ID.


Homecoming Tailgate General Information

Saturday, January 27, 2024
Load in begins 11:00am for vehicles
Vehicle load-in ends at 12:00pm
Pedestrian entrance opens at 12:00pm
Tailgate time 12:00pm to 3:00pm
Lot A Near EagleBank Arena
PERMITS: $20 each, limit up to 2 permit purchases per person
LINK to purchase TAILGATE PERMITS is now LIVE. Click here to purchase tailgate permits.

  • The tailgate lot opens for general vehicle load-in beginning at 11:00am on Saturday, January 27.  Vehicle load-in will cease when pedestrian entrances open at 12:00pm.
  • All attendees must be in the vehicle line to enter the tailgate with the persons they wish to park near or next to. Vehicles will be parked on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Entrance to the tailgate lot will be announced at a later time. All other entrances and drive-ways will be blocked or will be for general parking access only.
  • There will be no day-of sales of tailgate parking permits. All purchases must be made in advance.  Spaces are limited and may sell out.
  • All tailgate permit holders must have their confirmation email, printed on on their mobile device to show proof of purchase to parking attendants on site upon entry.
  • Pedestrians may enter the tailgate lot via the two marked pedestrian entrances.
  • Pedestrian entrances open at 12:00pm, once all vehicle traffic has ceased. All pedestrians entering will have their government-issued ID checked.
  • There is no consumption of Alcohol allowed in the Festival area, unless attending events inside the Alumni Tent.

Tailgate Rules and Policies

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 are 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
  • kegs of any kind
  • Fireworks
  • Weapons
  • Drones
  • Gasoline powered appliances
  • Fire pits
  • Propane heaters
  • Lasers
  • Tiki torches
  • Amusement 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.