Student Tailgate Lot For Saluki Football Games Will Move to Douglas Drive
 | |
May 3, 2004
CARBONDALE, Ill. - The student tailgating lot for Saluki football games will move next season from its current location north of McAndrew Stadium to a lot located on Douglas Drive near the southwest corner of SIU Arena, Southern Illinois University announced Monday.
Several issues led to the decision to move students from lots 10A and 10B to lot 52.
The primary concern was to protect students, many of who were crossing U.S. Highway 51 in undesignated areas.
"There is a very serious safety issue with the current location," SIUC Chancellor Walter V. Wendler said. "It is our responsibility to look after the welfare of students, and this move is clearly in their best interest."
"Frankly, there have been too many instances of students running across the highway, creating a dangerous situation," athletics director Paul Kowalczyk said. "Our continued efforts to improve the game-day environment will ultimately be appreciated by all of our fans."
Kowalczyk added that the athletics department anticipates the need for more preferred parking due to increased interest in the football program, and lots 10A and 10B will be used for that purpose.
By moving students to lot 52, they will be incorporated into the hub of pre-game activity near the highly popular "Saluki Row," which is located on the northeast side of SIU Arena.