Tailgaters at Huskie home football games this year will have to face ID spot checks as well as other university alcohol policies.

Bottles and bulk containers, such as kegs, will not be allowed, and alcohol also may not be consumed by anyone under the age of 21.

Depending on the severity, tailgaters who disobey alcohol or other tailgating policies can be referred to the judicial board, asked to leave the stadium grounds, or be arrested, said Lt. Ron Williams of the University Police Department.

Williams said the entire University Police Department will be on duty during tailgating. Security officers and DeKalb city police also will patrol the grounds, spot checks of ID’s will be conducted, Williams said.

Tailgating from cars can be done on the east side of Huskie Stadium. The tailgate area will open three and one-half hours before the kickoff of each Huskie home game.

At kickoff time, the tailgate areas will be patrolled by security personnel, and the people who remain will be told to begin entering the stadium.

Last year, “most people who went tailgating went to the games,” said Mary Mihelich, assistant athletic director for promotions and marketing.

For larger tailgating parties, tents may be rented. There is a designated area for tents on the west side of the stadium. Mihelich said, however, all tent users must reserve a space through the Huskie ticket office.

Mihelich said the athletic department works with the alumni association, the presidents office, and other organizations to create tailgating policies. She said NIU Athletic Director Gerald O’Dell has the final decision on the policies.