Tailgating Safety at Gillette Stadium

Published in Personal Injury on October 4, 2016

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Tailgating is a tradition for many sports fans, and Boston football fans are some of the most dedicated in the sports fans in the world. Tailgating is when fans gather in the parking areas near sports stadiums to celebrate before upcoming games, and it is particularly popular before football games. Fans will open up the trunks of their cars to display team banners, set up tents and barbecues, and some even go so far as to bring entertainment centers to watch other games before the teams play.

If you’re heading to Gillette Stadium for a Patriots game, know what to expect and keep a level head. Alcohol is a common indulgence at sports games and the gatherings in the parking lot before them. Getting caught up in the excitement can have negative consequences, so make good choices, and consider the following tips for fun and safe tailgating for Patriots games.

Respect the Rules

Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots, is committed to the safety of their patrons, and the stadium management generally wants to ensure that all fans have a great time attending Patriots games. How much fun you’re going to have largely depends on you. Some of the basic tips for fun and safe tailgating come down to common sense:

Sports fans can be passionate about their favorite teams and players, but when alcohol is part of the equation, gentle ribbing and slight arguments can explode into fracases. Only consume alcohol if you’re of legal age and have arranged transportation for yourself, and moderate your intake. If another fan seems like he or she enjoyed one too many drinks, it’s a safe bet to steer clear and notify security staff if you think there may be a problem.
Come prepared ahead of time with all the food, drinks, tents, and chairs you and your friends will need to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of excitement before the game. Be sure to lock your possessions inside your vehicle when it comes time to head into the stadium.
Familiarize yourself with the stadium’s rules concerning prohibited items, smoking areas, parking, and fan conduct. You can’t support the Patriots during the game if you’re escorted off the premises by security.

Grilling Safety Tips

Tailgating and grilling often go hand in hand. If you plan on bringing a barbecue to the game here are a few important things to keep in mind:

In 2014, 16,600 patients went to the emergency room because of grilling accidents.
Failure to properly clean a grill was the leading factor in causing a fire, or approximately 20% of all grill structure fires.
Leaks or breaks were a factor in almost 25% of outside grill fires.
Be sure to keep your grill on a level surface and away from any combustible materials.
Keep a fire extinguisher within reach.
Check for any breaks, leaks, or damage to the grill before using and ensure that it is properly cleaned.

Stadium Parking Lot Liability

Stadium parking lots can be a ripe location for accident and injuries such as slips and falls. Thousands of people converging on a location, alcohol, spills, and potentially rain or snow can be a perfect recipe for an injury. Slipping and falling while tailgating doesn’t necessarily mean that anyone was negligent, but their are certain circumstances where you may have a claim. Once inside the stadium, steep stairs and tighter spaces make the threat of an accident even more serious. Wherever you end up while tailgating, stay aware of your surroundings and watch out for any hazards.

Conclusion

Sports games typically see thousands of people milling about, it is important to always been on your guard and steer yourself away from bad situations. However, if you keep these tips in mind for your next tailgating session at Gillette Stadium, you and your crew are sure to have a great time. Additionally, it’s worth noting that while sports games offer thrilling experiences, there may be other forms of entertainment that pique your interest. If you’re someone who enjoys the excitement of gambling, you might consider exploring anonymous casino review.

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