Bearcat Stadium Gameday Policies

Northwest Missouri State University is committed to creating a safe, comfortable and enjoyable game day experience at all Bearcat Athletic Events. All fans in attendance are expected to follow the Fan Code of Conduct. You can also find answers to Frequently Asked Questions. Fans can also find the Tailgating Policy by clicking here.

Guest Services
Fans with specific needs or requiring medical assistance are encouraged to visit Guest Services, located inside the Bank Midwest entrance, under the west grandstand of the stadium. Guest Services will open when Bearcat Stadium opens 90 minutes prior to kickoff, and remain open through the completion of the game.

Security Screening
All fans bringing purses or bags into Bearcat Stadium must pass through a screening process outside the stadium gates before passing through the ticket area. Although Northwest has had a screening process in place for several years, the location of the screening is new this year to accommodate fans and further enhance fan safety.

Prohibited/Restricted Items

For safety and security, the following items are prohibited in Bearcat Stadium:

Firearms, weapons of any type or fireworks
Coolers – any size, any type
Plastic, metal or glass cups, cans or containers
Thermos bottles or flasks
Outside Food or Drinks (each fan may bring 1 unopened plastic bottle of water)
Beer or Liquor
Video cameras or professional cameras/lenses
Flammable liquids
Noisemaker – air horns, klaxon, bells, whistles, etc.
Boom boxes
Backpacks
Umbrellas
Portable heaters
Laser pointers of any type, poles or rods
Large strollers
Any other items deemed dangerous or unacceptable by security

Allowed Items
The following items are permitted in Bearcat Stadium:

Fanny packs (unattached from your body)
Purses/Bags etc
Drawstring bag unattached from the body
One unopened plastic bottle of water per guest
Blankets (not in a carrier)
Banners and signs (no larger than 3' x5') are permitted as long as they do not interfere with other guests
If infant is with guest, small diaper bags with appropriate infant/child contents and supplies (e.g. breast pump)
Binoculars and case
Small still camera and case
Hand-held radios and TVs are permitted if they do not interfere with other guests – an ear piece must be used to listen
Seat cushion – lightweight foam with sealed plastic cover

Re-Entry Policy
As part of its commitment to maintaining and accentuating the best game day atmosphere in Division II football, Northwest's no re-entry policy is designed to enhance fans' safety and align with best practices established throughout professional and intercollegiate athletics.

As part of the no re-entry policy, fans who leave Bearcat Stadium and want to return will need to use an un-scanned ticket and be subject to another security screening; ticket booths will remain open until 10 minutes remain in the third quarter.

Smoking
In order to provide an environment that is safe and healthy for all students, employees and visitors to Northwest, smoking is prohibited throughout the Northwest campus, including all areas of Bearcat Stadium. "Smoking" is defined as the use of cigarettes, cigars, pipes and all other forms of smoke-generating products.

Tailgating
Tailgating may begin no earlier than four hours prior to kickoff. Tailgating is not permitted after the start of the first quarter.

Fans are invited to join the Hy-Vee Bearcat Zone from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Raymond J. Courter College Park Pavilion. The Bearcat Zone features performances by the Bearcat Marching Band, cheerleaders and Steppers. A traditional tailgate meal also is available for purchase.

Alcohol is permitted only in designated tailgating areas near College Park. For more information about Northwest's tailgating policy, click here.