Missouri State

BearFest Village - Frequently Asked Questions

What is BearFest Village?
BearFest Village is the official Missouri State Football tailgate. Find activities for Bears fans of all ages to get ready to cheer on the Bears. 

Where is BearFest Village located?
BearFest Village is located on the Missouri State University campus north of Plaster Stadium and runs from Carrington Hall through west of Hammons Fountain. 

Do I need to have a reserved space to come to BearFest Village?
No, a space/tent reservation is not required to join in the fun at BearFest Village. A space/tent reservation gives groups a designated space to host private events on game days. 
    Fans without a reservation can join in on the festivities by visiting Boomer’s Backyard and the BearGarden and by mingling with other Bear fans at the tailgate. 

How do I reserve a space/tent at BearFest Village?
Spaces/tents can be reserved through our online reservation system. Navigate to the ‘Tailgate Packages’ and ‘Reserving Space’ sections on the BearFest Village website.
     Once your reservation has been processed, you will receive information via email about set-up/tear-down and reservation placement the week prior to the event.  

How do I set up my tailgate spot?
NOTE: All BearFest Village group organizers should read through the detailed email sent during the week prior to the event for specific load-in/out details for their specific game day. 
     Set-up begins approx. 5 hours prior to kickoff. Vehicles can begin loading in tailgating supplies. 
     Groups are allowed one vehicle to enter BearFest Village to drop-off supplies and for tear-down. The driver and vehicle must be registered with Missouri State Athletics Marketing when making the space/tent reservation. Only registered drivers/vehicles will be allowed to drive into BearFest Village. Each vehicle will be limited to 15 minutes to unload/tear-down. 
     All vehicles must be removed from the tailgating area 30 minutes prior to the official start time of BearFest Village. 

Where can I park after setting up my tailgate spot? (Parking map coming soon)
Fans will find parking available across the Missouri State Campus. Paid parking is found in Lots 18, 19, and 22 and BearPark South. Lot 4 is reserved for Missouri State Bears Football Suiteholders, and Lot 24 is reserved for Missouri State students and student organizations.   

Can we leave our belongings at BearFest Village during the game?
Yes, BearFest Village groups are welcome to leave their belongings at their designated space at their own discretion and may do so until the end of the game. Please note that Missouri State University is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged items. All tear-down and load-out procedures are subject to the direction of Public Safety officers.  

When can I tear down my tailgate spot?
NOTE: All load-out/tear down is at the discretion of Missouri State University Public Safety and SPD Officers. If it is not deemed safe, vehicles will not be allowed to enter until it is safe to do so. 
     After the crowds subside (approx. 30 minutes after the conclusion of the game), the designated vehicle is able to re-enter the tailgating area to tear-down the remaining supplies. 
     Fans who wish to tear down sooner are encouraged to bring a small dolly or wagon to take belongings back to their vehicle prior to the game starting. Fans are allowed to keep non-valuable items at their tailgate space. Missouri State is not responsible for any lost or stolen items left unattended.   

What can I bring with me?
Fans are welcome to bring their own coolers, grills, games, small (no larger than 10’ x 10’) pop-up tents (must be weighed down - NO stakes), and other tailgating supplies. 

What is not allowed at BearFest Village/tailgaiting?
The following items are prohibited in BearFest Village and tailgate parking lots: glass, tobacco/smoking, hard liquor, drinking games, and generators.   

Can I bring in outside catering?
Yes, please inform Missouri State Athletics Marketing if you plan to bring in an outside catering group. Any catering provided by an outside source should be in disposable containers. No marketing/advertising is permitted. No catering vehicles will be permitted in BearFest Village, except for set-up purposes and must follow load-in procedure outlined in the game-week email sent to the group’s contact. 

What if I need electricity?
Electricity is not available in BearFest Village or tailgating parking lots. 

What are tailgating hours on game day?
Tailgating areas open 3 hours prior to kickoff. Occupancy of tailgating areas is not permitted during the football game. Fans are encouraged to enter Plaster Stadium approximately 20 minutes prior to kickoff to allow adequate time for seating. All tailgating activities must conclude, and areas must be cleared and cleaned, by midnight or within 3 hours following the end of the game, whichever is later.

Where can I serve alcohol?
Alcohol service and consumption is permitted in the designated BearFest Village area for persons ages 21 and over, consistent with the Missouri State University Alcohol Policy. Alcohol is not permitted beyond the perimeter of BearFest Village. 

What if my question isn’t answered here?
Any additional questions can be directed to the Missouri State Athletics Marketing office.
Email: AthleticsMarketing@MissouriState.edu