Ringo Starr performs at Lakeview

The scene at Ringo Starr and the All Starr Band at Lakeview Amphitheater in Syracuse.

(Photo by Warren Linhart)

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A "no tailgating" policy at Lakeview Amphitheater has many concertgoers fretting, but strict enforcement of that policy doesn't seem likely.

Several clues from an Onondaga County official today suggest that responsible tailgating will be tenuously overlooked.

First and foremost, the lots for next Wednesday's Dave Matthews Band concert will open earlier than initially planned, according to Deputy County Executive Bill Fisher. The Orange and Pink lots will open at 3 p.m. instead of 5 p.m.

Fans of the band are known for large-scale hangouts before events, and the time change leaves five hours between arrival time and the start of the concert. Organizers are expecting about 7,000 cars to show up for the sold-out show.

Strict enforcement of the "no tailgating" policy will also prove nearly impossible, Fisher said.

During a presentation to the Onondaga County Legislature's planning and economic development committee, Fisher said the "no tailgating" policy is identical to policies at places like SPAC and CMAC. The primary purpose of the policy is to eliminate safety concerns and prevent underage drinking, he said.

But enforcement of the policy is limited by the resources available. And officials at other upstate amphitheaters often look the other way on tailgating.

"Unless you're putting a huge number of law enforcement out there, you can't fully enforce [the policy]," Fisher said. "And we're going to do our darnedest because safety of the public is at the top of the heap as far as our priorities go. Hopefully that sheds a little more light on that policy."

That doesn't mean rule-breakers won't be punished.

Fisher twice mentioned that underage drinking will not be tolerated and said pop-up tents placed in exit lanes will be removed. He did not specifically refer to any other activities that would be punished, however. Amphitheater General Manager Kelly Carr previously said security would ask people to remove grills as well.

Parking lot security will be managed by Syracuse Parking Services, a private contractor. There will also be Onondaga County Sheriff's deputies on hand to direct traffic and assist when needed.

"If someone's being an idiot and starting fights, T-shirt security will intervene," Fisher said. "We're trying to keep it away from law enforcement."

Here's Fisher's statement on tailgating to the planning committee:

Fisher also said that the lots will be watered with trucks prior to future events to prevent the dust clouds experienced prior to Ringo Starr's concert.