University Police plan no extra security measures or manpower for Saturday’s tailgate or football game even though larger than normal crowds are expected.

“We’ll handle it the way we’ve always handled it,” said UP Lt. Ron Williams. “We have an adequate number of officers to accommodate Saturday’s events.”

Williams said the UPs will be enforcing regulations under NIU’s newly-adopted alcohol policy which prohibits kegs and bottles at tailgate.

“Of course we’ll be looking for kegs and bottles,” said Williams. “We’ll also be checking for underage drinking.”

The UPs will be patrolling the tailgate areas on the East and West sides of Huskie Stadium before and after the game and also will be in the bleachers during the game. About 35 UPs will be on duty at Saturday’s game, Williams said.

Jon Dalton, vice president for student affairs, said because of the Huskie football team’s winning season and the numerous events scheduled for this weekend, he anticipates a large crowd.

“Basically, the new policy restricts kegs and bottles. But this has allowed us to take down fencing around the tailgate area,” Dalton said. In the past, NIU has fenced-in the student tailgate area with snow fencing.

Dalton said he supported the new policy because he believes the restriction of kegs has helped to control alcohol abuse at the tailgate. “It’s not just us (NIU). Other campuses are adopting this policy as well.”

Dalton said studies done on other campuses prove that keg restriction has controlled alcohol abuse.

The new policy is not the only new element being added to tailgaiting this year. NIU is making tents available to students, alumni and community groups. Tents will be located on the east side of the stadium for $125. Dalton said he hopes the new ‘tent-a-gate’ arrangement will allow for a more integrated and enjoyable tailgate.