Management at Floco Fusion and Historic Florence Court recently informed their residents that they would no longer be able to allow game day tailgate events in their courtyard as they have in previous years. It was not an ownership or management decision, but was brought upon them when their insurance provider threatened to completely cancel their insurance coverage if the tailgates did not cease immediately. We students understand the tough position that this puts Floco management in -- but we urge management to instead consider how they can make the events safer in a way that satisfies the insurance provider and encourages them to reconsider their decision.

Gameday events in the Floco courtyard are a big part of what makes University of Minnesota students so proud to be Gophers. If there's one place where Gopher spirit really thrives and brings people together, many would agree it is in the courtyard in the hours before football games. Students deck themselves out in maroon and gold, ready to cheer on their school at the game and create some of the best memories of their college experiences. Everyone is brought together, alumni and parents often included, for a place to revel in Gopher spirit and each other's company. Students look forward all year to the Floco gameday festivities, many even choosing to study abroad in Spring semesters instead of Fall in order to not miss out on the events. *MANY of Floco's current residents chose to lease in Floco to be right in the middle of it all on these days. They were under the impression when they signed their leases that this experience would be included in their rent. Yes, game days will still happen, but they won't be quite the same for many of us. 

This is why we urge Management staff at Floco Fusion to consider what makes the insurance providers uncomfortable with the game day events, and work out a plan to revamp safety measures that satisfies them. If it is the prospect of alcohol consumption that worries insurance providers, consider setting rules that limit or ban alcohol consumption in the courtyard on these days. If it is the prospect of being held accountable for possible injuries, I'm sure most students would be happy to sign some kind of liability form before entering if it meant they could have their gamedays in Floco back. If it is the prospect of the courtyard being overcrowded or reaching maximum capacity, consider implementing the same wristband rule from years past, where residents are each provided one wristband to allow only one guest per resident. Whatever the safety issues, we ask management to consider the many ways they could revamp safety measures to eliminate these issues and ultimately present the new ideas to their insurance providers.

We hope that the number of people who sign this petition proves to the staff of Floco how much we all care and how saddened the Gopher community was to receive the news. We know that they are being put in a tough position, but we encourage them to consider how they can make the tailgate events safer instead of banning them from happening. In the worst case scenario, the insurance provider will be not be convinced by new safety measures and will stick to the original decision - definitely worth a shot.