Tailgating Ban Confuses Fans

While a tailgating ban at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, N.J., has aided in the venue’s efforts to crack down on underage drinking, it’s also presented a new challenge for some fans who’ve attempted to picnic at the shed before shows.

Underage drinking was reported numerous times at the PNC last summer, leading officials at Live Nation, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (which owns the shed) and state police to increase officer presence and ban drinking in the parking lot.

This season officials went a step further by setting up a parents’ waiting area and banning tailgating during five concerts – John Mayer, O.A.R., 311, WKTU Beatstock and the Projekt Revolution tour stop – that were expected to attract younger crowds.

But the ban hasn’t gone over well with some concertgoers, who told the Asbury Park Press the rules were "confusing."

Concertgoer Dee Batson, who attempted to eat outside her car before the John Mayer show July 15, told the paper the new rule was "unfortunate."

"It’s a beautiful evening and we thought it would be nice to bring sandwiches and sit by the car," Batson said.

However, State Police Lt. Bill McDonough told the paper the definition of tailgating is "staying by your car when you pull into the parking lot," and said those who were caught violating the rule would be told to move along.