Theismann: Tailgate Responsibly
As millions of Pennsylvanians kickoff football games with tailgate parties, the Liquor Control Board, Charmer Sunbelt Group, Penn State, the University of Pittsburgh and State Police today said they are joining forces to make sure that these pre-gridiron experiences are responsible and fun.
“TURF – Tailgaters Urging Responsibility and Fun” is a national public-awareness campaign that is debuting today in Pennsylvania. It features former NFL quarterback Joe Theismann, promotes safe and responsible tailgating, and is underwritten in Pennsylvania by the LCB’s industry partners: Charmer Sunbelt Group, Capital Wine & Spirits, Brown-Forman and the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America.
“Tailgating is a beloved American pastime and we understand how much fun it can be for fans,” said LCB Chairman Patrick “P.J.” Stapleton III. “Unfortunately, some people take their excitement to a level that disturbs and even endangers others. That’s why we’ve assembled this great team to bring TURF to Pennsylvania.”
Theismann, who played for the Washington Redskins from 1971 to 1985, has made TURF a personal passion.
“An estimated 36 million Americans pack coolers and fire up their grills at tailgate parties around the country each season, but the unsportsmanlike conduct of a few fans can endanger the happiness and safety of many others,” Theismann said. “I’m proud to work with these outstanding organizations to support this important program.”
TURF, which will continue through the conclusion of this football season and beyond, was created by Charmer Sunbelt Group, one of the nation’s leading distributors of alcoholic beverages, to ensure tailgating as the safe pre-game tradition of friends and families.
The program, which was recently adopted in Maryland and will be introduced in other states later this year, promotes several strategies for safe and fun tailgating:
· Provide ample food for guests before serving alcoholic beverages.
· Designate a driver prior to tailgating.
· Watch your language around young fans.
· Support zero tolerance for underage drinking.
· Notify security of any rude, unsportsmanlike or offensive fans.
· Respect the fans. Respect your team. Respect the law.
· And remember, one 12-oz. beer, one 5-oz. glass of wine and 1.5 oz. of spirits all have the same alcohol content.
“TURF addresses concerns from community leaders, regulators, law enforcement and, most important, fans who no longer want themselves or their children exposed to the rowdy and unsafe behavior of a few who spoil the game day experience for everyone,” said Charmer Sunbelt Group Community Relations VP Brian Fischer.
Fliers detailing the program’s tips will be available at PLCB Wine & Spirits Stores, Stapleton said. In addition, Theismann’s public service announcement is on Penn State Live (www.live.psu.edu), the university’s news Web site, and will run on PantherVision during Pitt home games at Heinz Field.
A radio version is running on broadcasts of Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles games. Additional information is available at www.turfzone.org.
“Penn State is committed to ensuring that fans of all ages have a safe and memorable tailgating experience,” said University Relations VP Bill Mahon. “Penn State is proud to add TURF to the broad range of initiatives designed to curb dangerous drinking that have been ongoing at Penn State for more than a decade. Having a broad range of efforts in place to curb this national problem is the best solution.”
“Tailgating is a traditional part of college football Saturdays across the country,” said Pitt Athletic Director Steve Pederson. “We want to encourage enjoyable yet safe tailgating at Heinz Field, ensuring a great Pitt football experience from start to finish for everyone.”
“TURF – Tailgaters Urging Responsibility and Fun” is a national public-awareness campaign that is debuting today in Pennsylvania. It features former NFL quarterback Joe Theismann, promotes safe and responsible tailgating, and is underwritten in Pennsylvania by the LCB’s industry partners: Charmer Sunbelt Group, Capital Wine & Spirits, Brown-Forman and the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America.
“Tailgating is a beloved American pastime and we understand how much fun it can be for fans,” said LCB Chairman Patrick “P.J.” Stapleton III. “Unfortunately, some people take their excitement to a level that disturbs and even endangers others. That’s why we’ve assembled this great team to bring TURF to Pennsylvania.”
Theismann, who played for the Washington Redskins from 1971 to 1985, has made TURF a personal passion.
“An estimated 36 million Americans pack coolers and fire up their grills at tailgate parties around the country each season, but the unsportsmanlike conduct of a few fans can endanger the happiness and safety of many others,” Theismann said. “I’m proud to work with these outstanding organizations to support this important program.”
TURF, which will continue through the conclusion of this football season and beyond, was created by Charmer Sunbelt Group, one of the nation’s leading distributors of alcoholic beverages, to ensure tailgating as the safe pre-game tradition of friends and families.
The program, which was recently adopted in Maryland and will be introduced in other states later this year, promotes several strategies for safe and fun tailgating:
· Provide ample food for guests before serving alcoholic beverages.
· Designate a driver prior to tailgating.
· Watch your language around young fans.
· Support zero tolerance for underage drinking.
· Notify security of any rude, unsportsmanlike or offensive fans.
· Respect the fans. Respect your team. Respect the law.
· And remember, one 12-oz. beer, one 5-oz. glass of wine and 1.5 oz. of spirits all have the same alcohol content.
“TURF addresses concerns from community leaders, regulators, law enforcement and, most important, fans who no longer want themselves or their children exposed to the rowdy and unsafe behavior of a few who spoil the game day experience for everyone,” said Charmer Sunbelt Group Community Relations VP Brian Fischer.
Fliers detailing the program’s tips will be available at PLCB Wine & Spirits Stores, Stapleton said. In addition, Theismann’s public service announcement is on Penn State Live (www.live.psu.edu), the university’s news Web site, and will run on PantherVision during Pitt home games at Heinz Field.
A radio version is running on broadcasts of Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles games. Additional information is available at www.turfzone.org.
“Penn State is committed to ensuring that fans of all ages have a safe and memorable tailgating experience,” said University Relations VP Bill Mahon. “Penn State is proud to add TURF to the broad range of initiatives designed to curb dangerous drinking that have been ongoing at Penn State for more than a decade. Having a broad range of efforts in place to curb this national problem is the best solution.”
“Tailgating is a traditional part of college football Saturdays across the country,” said Pitt Athletic Director Steve Pederson. “We want to encourage enjoyable yet safe tailgating at Heinz Field, ensuring a great Pitt football experience from start to finish for everyone.”
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