BRISTOW, VA (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Live Nation has reversed its ban on tailgating at Jiffy Lube Live, though some restrictions such as no alcohol or canopies are still in place.
The ban was implemented last May in an official nod to Virginia's prohibition against public alcohol consumption but the tailgating ban proved to be very unpopular with fans. Some irritated concert-goers set up a 'Boycott Jiffy Lube' Facebook page and other enterprising fans started holding tailgate parties near the venue but off property.
The ban picked up notoriety when Jimmy Buffett fans, famous for their tailgate bacchanalia, ran afoul of Live Nation's ban. Nearly 10,000 of the parrotheads requested a refund for their tickets and Jimmy Buffett intimated that he would think twice before returning to the Jiffy Lube.
Jiffy Lube general manager Matt Rogers told the Washington Post that the decision to reverse the ban came after listening to the input of the venue's customers.
“Fan feedback is critical to help improve our operations and create the best possible concert experience for our fans,” Rogers told the Post. “The decision was made after listening to our fans and doing our due diligence.”
Since 2009, four concert-goers have died in alcohol-related crashes after attending shows at the Jiffy Lube. Live Nation continues to serve alcohol during concerts at the Jiffy Lube. For a rundown on acceptable tailgate practices, replete with diagrams of conforming tailgate setups, click here. – CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
