1. Purpose of the Student Tailgate Program
The Student Tailgate Area is a dedicated space for UTRGV students and Vaqueros Clubs to celebrate before UTRGV home football games and demonstrate school spirit at the Robert and Janet Vackar Stadium.
Tailgating is a pre-game tradition where Vaqueros Clubs gather in designated outdoor spaces within the Robert and Janet Vackar Stadium complex to celebrate, socialize, and support UTRGV Athletics prior to kickoff. Tailgating may include setting up tents, bringing food and drinks, playing music, and spending time together in a lively, community-focused atmosphere.
At UTRGV, the Student Tailgate Program provides an opportunity for Vaqueros Clubs to build traditions, foster community, unite students across campuses, and create a lasting legacy of Vaquero school spirit for future generations.
As a student-centered event, all students and Vaqueros Clubs participating in the Student Tailgate Program are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the Vaquero Honor Code, the UTRGV Student Code of Conduct, University policies, and all applicable laws.
2.1 Compliance with UTRGV Athletics Tailgating Policy
All Vaqueros Clubs participating in the Student Tailgate Program must adhere to the official UTRGV Athletics Tailgating Policy in its entirety. Members are expected to review policies regularly to ensure they are adopting any updates throughout the academic year.
The guidelines outlined in this UTRGV Vaqueros Club Tailgate Participation Policy are intended to supplement, and not replace, the general policies established by UTRGV Athletics. These additional requirements are tailored specifically to the student-designated tailgate area and must be followed in conjunction with all Athletics Department rules, regulations, and procedures.
2.2 Compliance with University Official(s)
Students must comply with any lawful, reasonable order or specific instruction of a UTRGV or UT System administrative official in the course of that official’s duties. Knowingly failing to do so is prohibited.
Students must identify themselves to a UTRGV official when requested to do so. A student must provide identification by giving their name and complete address, substantiated by a current Updated July 20, 2026
driver’s license, voter registration card, or other official documentation, and by stating truthfully whether they are a student or employee of UTRGV. Failure to do so is a violation of this policy.
Failure to comply with either the UTRGV Athletics Tailgating Policy or this Vaqueros Club Tailgate Participation Policy may result in corrective action, loss of tailgating privileges, referral for adjudication for violation of the Student Code of Conduct to the Department of Student Rights and Responsibilities, removal from the premises by University Police through issuance of a Criminal Trespass Warning, or other actions deemed appropriate by Student Activities, UTRGV Athletics, and/or the University.
3. Eligibility Requirements
Participation in the Student Tailgate Program is limited to registered Student Vaqueros Clubs (Vaqueros Clubs) that are recognized and in good standing with the UTRGV Center for Student Involvement.
To remain eligible for participation, Vaqueros Clubs must:
- Complete all required annual registration processes;
- Maintain good standing with the University;
- Complete all required risk management training(s);
- Complete the required Student Tailgate virtual training; and
- Comply with all Student Tailgate Program procedures and deadlines.
Vaqueros Clubs that do not meet these requirements may be deemed ineligible to participate in the Student Tailgate Program.
4. Tailgate Training Requirement
All Vaqueros Clubs participating in the Student Tailgate Program are required to complete a virtual, asynchronous training course covering Student Tailgate policies, available resources, and event procedures.
The training may be completed at the participant’s convenience and must be completed prior to participating in the Student Tailgate Program. The purpose of the training is to ensure that all participants understand their responsibilities and are familiar with event expectations, safety procedures, available support resources, and University requirements.
5. Tailgate Space Allocation
A total of 40 tailgate spaces are available for Vaqueros Clubs participating in the Student Tailgate Program.
Each tailgate space measures 20 feet by 10 feet (20' × 10').
Of the 40 available spaces:
- 20 spaces are reserved for season-long tailgate participants.
- The remaining spaces are available for single-game reservations.
- Any season-long spaces not confirmed for a particular game week will be released and made available through the single-game reservation process.
Participation in the Student Tailgate Program is provided at no cost to eligible Vaqueros Clubs.
6. Administrative Authority
Student Activities reserves the right to reassign, relocate, or modify any tailgate space at any time and for any reason deemed necessary to support event operations, safety, University priorities, Athletics Department needs, or other institutional requirements.
This authority applies to all tailgate spaces, including those designated as season-long reservations. Participation in the Student Tailgate Program does not guarantee a permanent location for the duration of the season.
7. Tailgate Information Sessions
Student Activities will host Student Tailgate Information sessions prior to the start of the football season to review program expectations, tailgate procedures, space selection, participant responsibilities, and available resources.
Vaqueros Clubs are encouraged to attend these sessions to prepare for the upcoming season. Vaqueros Clubs may also provide an email address during the Student Tailgate Information sessions to be added to the Student Tailgate mailing list.
8. Season-Long Tailgate Reservations
Vaqueros Clubs may apply for a season-long tailgate space beginning August 5, 2026. Vaqueros Clubs granted a season-long reservation will retain the same location throughout the football season unless otherwise directed by Student Activities. Updated July 20, 2026
Season-long reservation holders may select their tailgate location in advance and retain the same location throughout the football season, subject to the Administrative Authority provisions outlined in this policy.
Confirmation Requirement
Student Activities staff will contact each season-long reservation holder on Monday of each game week to confirm participation. Vaqueros Clubs will be contacted between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Vaqueros Clubs must respond by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, via phone call or email, to confirm their spot. If an organization declines participation or fails to respond by the deadline, its reserved space will be released and made available to other Vaqueros Clubs for that game.
Failure to Attend
Vaqueros Clubs that confirm their participation but fail to occupy their assigned tailgate space on game day will forfeit their season-long reservation privileges for the remainder of the season. Any future participation during the season will be subject to the single-game reservation process and space availability.
9. Single-Game Tailgate Reservations
Any spaces not claimed or confirmed by season-long reservation holders will be made available to other eligible Vaqueros Clubs.
Availability Announcement
The number of available tailgate spaces will be announced each Wednesday of game week through Student Activities social media channels, V-Link, Engage, and the Student Tailgate Mailing List.
Vaqueros Clubs that wish to receive tailgate updates and announcements directly may join the Student Tailgate mailing list. Vaqueros Clubs may provide an email address during Tailgate Information Sessions or at any time by completing the designated mailing list form.
Student Tailgate Mailing List Form
Registration Process
Beginning Wednesday of game week, Vaqueros Clubs may register for available spaces through a reservation form posted on the Student Union V-Link. Updated July 20, 2026
Space Assignment
Vaqueros Clubs receiving a single-game reservation must select their specific tailgate location in person at the Student Tailgate Zone at Robert and Janet Vackar Stadium. Space selection may occur:
- During Friday evening setup; or
- On Saturday beginning at 12:00 p.m.
All single-game tailgate spaces will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
10. Tailgate Captain Responsibilities
Each participating Vaqueros Club must designate one Tailgate Captain during the registration process.
The Tailgate Captain serves as the primary representative of the organization and shall:
- Serve as the main point of contact with Student Activities, Student Union staff, UTRGV Athletics, and other University staff;
- Be physically present to claim the organization’s assigned tailgate space;
- Be present during setup, tailgating activities, teardown, and until the assigned area is cleared;
- Assist the organization in maintaining compliance with the UTRGV Athletics Tailgating Policy, this policy, and all University rules and regulations;
- Monitor participant behavior within the assigned tailgate space;
- Monitor alcohol consumption, if applicable, to support compliance with UTRGV Athletics policies and University expectations;
- Coordinate with University staff during emergencies, operational concerns, or conduct-related issues; and
- Ensure the organization cleans and clears its assigned space by the required deadline.
Tailgate spaces may only be used by the organization to which they are assigned. Tailgate spaces may not be transferred, sold, shared, or reassigned to another Vaqueros Club or unregistered group without approval from Student Activities.
The designated Tailgate Captain must be physically present to claim and maintain the organization’s space.
11. Equipment and Resources
Vaqueros Clubs are responsible for providing all equipment necessary for their tailgate setup, including but not limited to:
- Tents;
- Tables and chairs;
- Coolers;
- Decorations;
- Approved cooking equipment; and
- Other supplies needed for the organization’s tailgate activities.
Student Activities and UTRGV will provide only the designated tailgate space. Equipment, power, water, furniture, and additional supplies will not be provided.
12. Equipment and Safety Requirements
All equipment brought into the Student Tailgate Area must comply with University and Athletics Department policies.
In addition to the requirements outlined in the UTRGV Athletics Tailgating Policy:
- Only propane and charcoal grills are permitted in the Student Tailgate Area. The use of wood fueled grilling/smoking devices is prohibited.
- Vaqueros clubs must have a fire extinguisher to accompany cooking or grilling appliances.
- Only battery-powered generators are permitted. Gasoline-powered and diesel-powered generators are prohibited.
- Tents must be secured using weights or sandbags. Stakes are not permitted.
- Vaqueros Clubs are encouraged to maintain a basic first-aid kit at their tailgate space.
- Tailgate Captains should be familiar with emergency exits, event procedures, and how to contact University staff in the event of medical, behavioral, or operational concerns. UTRGV Campus Emergency: (956) 882-4911
13. Responsible Consumption
Vaqueros Clubs serving alcohol must comply with all applicable state laws, University policies, and the UTRGV Athletics Tailgating Policy.
Any Vaqueros Club that serves alcohol at its tailgate is required to provide water and snacks for its members to promote hydration, safety, and responsible drinking practices. Updated July 20, 2026
Tailgate Captains are expected to assist their Vaqueros Clubs in monitoring behavior and alcohol consumption within the assigned tailgate space to ensure compliance with University and Athletics Department expectations. The safety and well-being of alll participants shall always take precedent, and Tailgate Captains are encouraged to act to ensure safety, including asking for assistance from University staff on-site.
14. Cleanup, Teardown, and Storage
Participating Vaqueros Clubs are responsible for maintaining their assigned space and removing all trash, debris, equipment, decorations, and supplies following each event.
Vaqueros Clubs must clean their assigned area and ensure no debris is left behind by the end of the game, unless otherwise directed by Student Activities or University staff.
There will be no storage of personal or Vaqueros Club items on the student tailgate field. All personal belongings and equipment must be removed from the area by the established deadline. For 7:00 p.m. kickoff games, all speakers and projected music must be turned off by 6:00 p.m.
Student Activities reserves the right to establish event-specific teardown deadlines based on kickoff times, weather, event operations, or other institutional needs.
15. Sustainability
Vaqueros Clubs are encouraged to support UTRGV’s commitment to environmental sustainability by minimizing waste and using reusable items whenever possible.
Vaqueros Clubs are encouraged to use reusable water bottles, containers, serving items, and supplies, and to limit the use of single-use plastics.
16. Communication and Notifications
Student Activities will use multiple communication channels to provide information regarding tailgate participation, available spaces, important deadlines, event updates, and policy reminders.
Official communications may be distributed through:
- Student Activities social media accounts;
- V-Link;
- Engage; and
- The Student Tailgate e-mailing list.
It is the responsibility of participating Vaqueros Clubs to monitor these communication channels and remain informed of all deadlines, announcements, and event-specific instructions.
17. Violations and Loss of Privileges
Failure to comply with this policy, the UTRGV Athletics Tailgating Policy, University regulations, the Vaquero Honor Code, the UTRGV Student Code of Conduct, or applicable laws may result in:
- Immediate removal from the Student Tailgate Area;
- Loss of tailgating privileges;
- Referral to the Office of the Dean of Students;
- Organizational disciplinary action; and/or
- Additional sanctions deemed appropriate by Student Activities, UTRGV Athletics, and/or the University.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley may revoke the tailgating privileges of any organization or participant who fails to comply with the laws, rules, and regulations of the State of Texas, The University of Texas System Board of Regents, UTRGV, UTRGV Athletics, or the Student Tailgate Program.
18. Questions and Contact Information
For questions, clarification, or additional information regarding the Student Tailgate Program, Vaqueros Clubs should contact Student Activities.
*Updated July 20, 2026
