Despite recent restrictions on tailgating enacted by Michigan State University (MSU) to help curb binge drinking, tailgating at Beaver Stadium this Saturday will be business as usual.

The new policy at MSU bans drinking-game paraphernalia from tailgates and limits parking lot hours on game day.

Safe alcohol consumption is a concern for Penn State, but tailgating restrictions are not the avenue the university will use to drive its campaign for a responsible campus, Penn State spokesman Tysen Kendig said.

"We've changed policy over the years on what's permitted inside, but we haven't put restrictions [on the tailgates]," Kendig said.

Penn State University Police Supervisor Dwight Smith said alcohol abuse is the university police's concern with tailgating.

"Tailgating can be a good thing as far as school spirit, camaraderie, reunions and those kinds of things," Smith said. "It's the small number of people who drink too much or do things when they drink too much that are anti-social or unacceptable."

Dennis Heitzmann, Center for Counseling and Psychological Services director, said tailgating causes both positive and negative behavior.

"The tailgating I observe is part of a wholesome tradition of friends and family with lots of food and good times ... pre-gaming the appropriate way," Heitzmann said.

However, some students equate "pre-gaming" with heavy drinking, he said.

"Some drink essentially to see how much they can drink. Some don't even make it to the game," Heitzmann said. "They erode the whole idea of getting excited about the game as a pre-game activity."

Penn State alumni Lauren Cauffiel said she has left friends behind en route to the ticket gate when pre-gaming became their main event.

"We had to drink as much as we wanted before we went in because you can't drink inside," Cauffiel said. "But some people will do what they want regardless of restrictions."

Jess Rada (junior-health policy and administration) said restrictions are unnecessary, but may be in the best interest of public safety.

"Most tailgates have alcohol, but it isn't a problem until people drive drunk," Rada said. "Penn State should maybe look at limiting hours for parking before the games."

Smith, a 30-year police veteran, said weather, strength of opponent and general interest in the game can change the tailgating atmosphere, and though incidents are rare, they still occur.

"We've had people run over in parking lots by drunk drivers. Traffic cops have been hit. Fires intentionally set. There's been damage to property. Sometimes we'll catch people urinating in public," Smith said. "We'd like to send the message that if people are going to drink, moderation is the key to a safe day."

Heitzmann said there is a tendency for binge drinking to be considered the norm.

"A select few incidents get sensationalized and are given more than their share of publicity," Heitzmann said. "There is an illusion that every student believes drinking excessively, or drinking to get drunk, is the norm when in reality it is not."

Heitzmann added that Beaver Stadium has not been abused as a social venue.

"We're not trying to dampen the opportunity for spirited members of the institution from having a good time, that's what it's all about," Heitzmann said. "We just don't want to see more people get hurt."