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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 11:24 a.m., Wednesday, August 27, 2008

CFB: Nevada cracking down on drunks at games

Associated Press

RENO, Nev. — Nevada athletic officials announced today a new text message number for fans to report inappropriate behavior during football games as part of a broader effort to crack down on drunks and other rowdy troublemakers at Mackay Stadium.

The new "zero tolerance policy" adopted in response to concerns raised about a lack of a family atmosphere at the games states that fans who appear visibly intoxicated will be denied access to the stadium and ejected from campus.

For the first time, beer kegs also will be banned in tailgating areas, school officials said.

Campus police, Washoe County sheriff's deputies and additional security personnel will be stationed at every stadium gate. An alcohol response team of specially trained individuals also has been added to deal with problems and monitor beer sales in concession areas.

"The majority of our fans are great and cheer on the Wolf Pack with enthusiasm and sportsmanship, but there is a small percent of people who cause trouble and ruin the game-day experience for others," said Adam Garcia, chief of campus police.

"With these measures in place, we will not tolerate any inappropriate behavior and can continue to provide all of our fans with a fun, safe and family-friendly environment at Mackay Stadium," he said.

The new text phone number — 775-229-5564 — will be shown on the stadium's scoreboard periodically throughout football games.

Fans who behave inappropriately will face arrest or be directed to leave the university campus as well as face confiscation of their event tickets.

A new family section has been established to provide families an alcohol-free environment to bring their children to the games, Nevada athletic director Cary Groth said.

"We are committed to our fans and helping to foster an enjoyable and safe environment at Wolf Pack games, and I think we have addressed many of our fans concerns with these enhancements," Groth said.

"Our great Wolf Pack fans play a vital part in the success of our program, and we know we can continue to provide all of our fans with a great game-day experience at Mackay Stadium."

Nevada opens the season Saturday night hosting Grambling State.