Longtime Philadelphia Eagles tailgaters and parking officials say they have found common ground after a contentious rollout of new rules for oversized vehicles at tailgates.The Sports Complex Parking Venture last week announced changes affecting oversized vehicles at Eagles tailgates.Under the new policy, oversized vehicles can no longer choose their own parking locations and instead will be directed to assigned spaces in Lots D and N. The rules also limit how many spaces those vehicles may occupy and increase parking costs.The updated pricing structure sets the cost at $200 for four spaces and $100 for two additional spots, with a maximum of six spaces. Oversized vehicle pass holders assigned to Lots E or H may continue parking in those lots but will be assigned specific spaces.The changes generated significant opposition from longtime tailgaters, prompting some to organize the Philadelphia Tailgating Association and retain an attorney to facilitate discussions with team and parking officials.”We understand where they’re coming from now instead of just being hit with it. They sat down and explained it to us,” said Carmen Conti of the Philadelphia Tailgating Association.Following a meeting between the groups, both sides said progress had been made, and several adjustments were agreed upon.”I’m very satisfied with the progress that was made thus far,” said Dwayne Ross of the Philadelphia Tailgating Association.One change involves access to designated oversized vehicle lots. While the original policy did not allow drop-offs, regular-sized vehicles will now be permitted to enter those lots during the first hour after they open to unload tailgating supplies before parking elsewhere.In addition, tailgaters who traditionally park in Lot P will still be allowed to do so.Officials said they intend to maintain communication with tailgaters and make further adjustments if necessary. Another meeting is planned next week after Sunday’s game.”We’re trying to really strike that balance between preserving our tailgating traditions but also making sure that we have room to accommodate everyone that needs to park down here,” said Phil Laws of Comcast Spectacor, which heads the Sports Complex Parking Venture.Members of the Philadelphia Tailgating Association said they will continue gathering feedback from tailgaters before the next meeting.”We will be walking the lots, talking to tailgaters as well, getting their feedback, seeing what they want. That way we can bring it to the meeting next week,” said Louis Jordan of the Philadelphia Tailgating Association.Despite the new assigned-space system, tailgaters said they still plan to arrive early before game day in hopes of securing the most desirable locations within the designated lots.
Content Source: Yahoo News
Image Credit: Getty Images
All rights to the news content and images belong to their respective copyright owners.