Tail-Gatoring Rules and Info

UHD Tail-Gatoring and Chili Cookoff
October 10, 2026
12pm - 6pm
UHD Naylor Lot

 

Event Schedule

Time	Activity
7:00 AM	Gates Open / Team Load-In Begins Chili Teams Start Cooking at 9am
10:30 AM	Parking Lot Closes to Vehicle Traffic
12:00 PM	Event Opens to Attendees
2:00 PM	Competition Chili Due to Judges (Chili Judges convene 2:45-4pm) Public Chili Tasting Opens
5:00 PM	Winners Announced
6:00 PM	Event Ends / Breakdown Begins

 

Team Registration

Any group requesting a team space for Tail-Gatoring or the Chili Cookoff must complete all registration forms  and make payment for their spaces before the established deadline. 

Each team participant must have a ticket for entry to the event.  

Complimentary Admission Tickets will be granted at the following level for each team's registration.  It is up to the team captains to determine who will receive the complimentary tickets. 

• Each Tailgate Space Reservation includes two (2) event admission tickets per space reserved. 
• Each Chili Cook-Off Team Registration includes two (2) event admission tickets for team members. 
• Each Vendor Space Reservation includes two (2) event admission tickets for booth representatives. 
• Additional event tickets may be purchased separately, subject to availability. 

Register your team for a space at the Homecoming Tail-Gatoring and Chili Cookoff event. Team registration closes on 10/5/2026 at 5pm or when all spaces have been reserved.

Team Registration Form

 

Event Access

All team members, participants and guests must present an event ticket and complete check-in at the hospitality tent to obtain a wristband showing their level of access to the event.   

Individuals choosing to consume alcohol during the event must obtain a 21+ wristband by presenting a state issued ID.   

Wristbands must be worn at all times.  Individuals found in the event without wristbands will be asked to leave the event to complete check-in.

For the Vibes (Free):  Access to event grounds | Access to tailgate activities | Entertainment and live programming. Does Not Include: Drink tickets or Chili tasting.

Tail Gator Pass ($10):  Access to event grounds | Tailgate participation | Two (2) drink tickets | Homecoming swag item. Does Not Include: Chili tasting 

Chili Taster Pass (See Table Below):  Access to event grounds | Two (2) drink tickets | Chili tasting beginning at 2:00 PM | People's Choice voting. Does Not Include:  Homecoming swag item | Drink tickets for anyone under 21 years of age 

Category	Price
General Admission	$20
Faculty/Staff	$10
UHD Alumni	$15
Children 12 & Under	Free

Full Access Pass ($25): Access to tailgate area | Access to chili competition area | Two (2) drink tickets | Homecoming swag item | Chili tasting beginning at 2:00 PM | People's Choice voting.

Ticket sales opening soon.

Admission Tickets

 

General Event Rules

• Vehicles may return only after the event concludes, and staff authorize re-entry.
• Emergency lanes must remain clear at all times.

• Alcohol consumption is restricted to designated event areas.
• Participants must be at least 21 years old.
• A valid government-issued photo ID is required.
• An official alcohol wristband is required prior to consuming alcohol.
• Beer and wine only. (Mixed Drinks In Cans - High Noon etc. allowed)
• Drink tickets may only be redeemed by wrist banded guests.
• The following are not permitted:
  • Glass bottles
  • Liquor
  • Kegs
  • Drinking games
  • Binge drinking or Rapid-consumption devices

• Participants must be respectful of neighboring teams, attendees, volunteers, and university staff.
• Disorderly conduct may result in removal from the event.
• Teams are responsible for the behavior of their members and guests.

• Music may be played within assigned spaces.
• Music must not contain profane, explicit, or inappropriate content.
• Volume must remain at a reasonable level that does not interfere with neighboring teams.
• Event staff may require volume reductions at any time.
• Music must cease when directed by event staff or official programming.

• Assigned spaces must remain within designated boundaries.
• Team names should be clearly displayed.
• One tent per assigned space is recommended.
  • Tents may not exceed 12' x 12'.
  • Participants must maintain safe pedestrian access throughout the event.

• Teams are responsible for all setup, operation, cleanup, and removal of equipment and waste.
• Participants must bring their own trash bags.
• Coals, grease, and cooking waste must be disposed of properly.
• Spaces must be left in their original condition.

 

Food Service & Competition Rules

• Teams must consist of at least five members.
• Teams must prepare a minimum of six gallons of chili and be prepared to serve approximately 200 attendees.
• Competition chili must be submitted to judges by 2:00 PM.
• Public chili tasting begins at 2:00 PM.

• At least two team members must possess a valid Texas Food Handler Certification.
• A certified food handler must be present throughout food service operations.
• Teams are responsible for maintaining proper food temperatures and sanitation standards.
• All teams must arrive with their own Ice. Ice refills for teams to maintain temperature throughout the event are available on request.

• Teams must provide all cooking equipment, supplies, utensils, ingredients, and service materials.
• No power will be provided unless specifically arranged through event organizers.

• No team may sell food or beverages.
• Chili samples are included only with Chili Taster and Full Access admission levels.
• Approved vendors may operate only with prior university authorization.

• Teams shall provide adequate drinking water for participants and guests.
• Cooking operations should maintain safe clearance from tents and pedestrian areas.
• Emergency and fire lanes must remain open at all times.
• University staff reserve the right to address any unsafe conditions immediately.