FSU football adding 'Back Porch' tailgating area for home games

FSU Sports Information | Tallahassee Democrat

On Tuesday, Florida State announced the addition of the Back Porch to Doak Campbell Stadium.

The Back Porch will be located just outside of Gate K and will open two hours prior to the game. Ticket holders will have access to concessions and those of legal age and with proper identification will have the ability to purchase beer for consumption inside the newly designated area.

The footprint of Gate K will be extended to include the brick area just outside the stadium and will be sectioned off for fans to enjoy two hours before kickoff up until the end of the third quarter. The Back Porch will make its debut at the season opening game versus Virginia Tech and beer sales and consumption will be limited to the Back Porch area only.

“With the addition of the Back Porch, ticket holders will be able to enter the stadium, enjoy concessions and be with fellow Seminole fans in a dedicated area at the stadium,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics Stan Wilcox. “Florida State is joining a host of other Universities that are allowing fans increased concession options as a part of their game day experience in a limited capacity.”

This is just the latest addition to the football gameday atmosphere FSU has announced this summer. Earlier this month it was announced that coach Willie Taggart has added the Legacy Team Walk. Each Legacy Team Walk will take place 2 ½ hours before kickoff. The walk starts at the Heritage Tower Fountain (near Dick Howser Stadium) and will proceed into Doak Campbell Stadium through Gate K.

The Coca-Cola Tailgate Zone, which debuted last season, returns with a new location closer to the Legacy Team Walk. The turnkey tailgate experience is admission-only, open to the public and provides food, drinks, access to restrooms and plenty of TV real estate to catch college football games from around the nation.

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And for fans looking to get even closer to the Seminoles before the game, there will be all-inclusive VIP tailgate spaces in close proximity to the Legacy Team Walk.

Both the Coca-Cola Tailgate Zone and the VIP Tailgates will open five hours prior to kickoff.Inside the stadium, it was announced this past weekend that FSU will be moving its in-game music operation to the south end zone this fall. Previously music was played from the ninth floor.

“We have had a DJ for many years, but are relocating the operation from the press box to on the field,” said Associate AD Jason Dennard.

“This move will allow for better coordination with the Marching Chiefs who are a big part of our game day experience. We believe this move will make the coordination between the live music the Chiefs provide and the recorded music we use at points during the game much more seamless.”