The St. Thomas vs. St. John’s football game has always been a hot ticket, ranking in the top five in NCAA Division III football attendance three of the past seven seasons. Though, there has never been a hotter ticket than this year’s ticket. With an expected attendance of over 35,000, on Sept. 23, Target Field will be the place to be.
A different location calls for a different set of rules that students may have become accustomed to in previous Tommie-Johnnie games. Students attending the game should be aware of these changes.
Alcohol sales
Alcohol will be available during the game, according to Dave Horsman, Minnesota Twins senior director of ballpark operations.
Michelle Morgan, St. Thomas associate athletic director and senior women’s administrator, explains further.
“The general concession stands will have alcohol, but they will not hawk,” she said, “meaning they will not go up and down the aisles in the area.”
Alcohol enforcement
“Target Field staff will be following our standard alcohol enforcement policies,” Horsman said. “We are working closely with UST and SJU to ensure we are dealing with alcohol-related behavior issues appropriately for this event.”
Students of age will be able to buy a maximum of two alcoholic beverages per visit to a concession stand.
“Their staff is trained accordingly to know what to look for and to use their judgement in terms of whether somebody can be served or if they are of age to legally be served,” Morgan said.
The stands will be open from when Target Field opens its gates at 11 a.m. until the end of the third quarter of the game.
“Just know that we’re not on our home turf,” Morgan said. “You’re not dealing with St. Thomas Public Safety. You’re dealing with the police at that point and there’s nothing we can do to save you. Legally, that’s their jurisdiction, not ours.”
Profanity on shirts
Fan shirts have always been a staple of the rivalry game. This year, any shirts that are offensive or incorporate profanity will need to be covered up or removed otherwise students will not be able to enter.
“The Target Field Fan Code Of Conduct prohibits indecent clothing as well as inappropriate or disparaging signs,” Horsman said.
Gate security
In terms of gate security, standard Twins games protocols will be in effect.
“This includes bag screening and metal detection at the entry gates,” Horsman said. “Bags that are 16”x16”x8” or smaller will be allowed, but guests are encouraged to leave any unnecessary bags or other articles at home.”
In an email sent out to students last week, Karen Lange, St. Thomas vice president for student affairs, said that although bags will be allowed, bringing them will slow down the process of getting through the gates.
Horsman encourages students to arrive to Target Field early.
“Screening this many people takes time, and arriving near game time could possibly result in missing some of the game,” he said. “Everyone should get here early.”
Lange also stated that 32-ounce or less water bottles that are sealed and plastic water bottles that are empty will be OK to bring in, but flavored water, sports drinks and food will not be.
If a student leaves Target Field for any reason, he or she will not be permitted to get back into the stadium, according to Lange.
Rushing the field
The university has made it clear that the MLB has a zero tolerance policy for rushing the field. Therefore, no one will be able to rush the field before, during or after the game.
“If anybody is on the field, they’re in cuffs right away,” Morgan said.
Gamiel Hall can be reached at hall0211@stthomas.edu. Brady Halbmaier can be reached at halb2084@stthomas.edu.