“Fans from across the state and most of college football will be watching Saturday,” Williams, Jones, Haller and Manuel said in an email sent to students Oct. 28. “We expect all of you will show sportsmanship and respect for others, for your universities and most importantly yourselves. Leave the rivalry on the field.”

The Universities collaborated to create a video explaining the rules and expectations for tailgaters and spectators, to ensure everyone celebrates responsibly. 

Bags of any kind are prohibited inside Spartan Stadium, and masks must be worn indoors in the concourses, restrooms, club areas and elevators.

Williams, Jones, Haller and Manuel encourage everyone over the age of 21 to drink responsibly — this includes having a sober designated driver — and to remember underage drinking is illegal. 

Outside designated tailgate areas, it is illegal to have open containers of alcohol on streets and sidewalks in East Lansing, whether tailgaters are of the legal drinking age or not.

MSU and U-M also encourage students to be positive fans.

“Avoid the use of foul language, obscene gestures, messages, and threats,” Williams, Jones, Haller and Manuel wrote in the Oct. 28 email. “Don't bring apparel or signs with profane or abusive language to the game. Cheer for your team, not against the other.

Regarding Halloween celebrations, Williams, Jones, Haller and Manuel reminded students to choose respectful costumes that do not appropriate other cultures or promote racial, cultural, gender or other stereotypes, to be considerate of their neighbors, control noise levels and clean up after themselves. 

Senior Vice President for residential and hospitality services Vennie Gore reminded students in an email sent Oct. 27, to avoid the temptation to destroy property, including couch burning.

“Destruction of property can lead to criminal charges,” Gore wrote in the email. “And remember, you are never anonymous — there are public cameras and others with phones who may be recording.”

Assistant Director of Academic and Student Affairs for the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, Jennifer New, sent an email to students on Oct. 28, reminding them of Michigan’s Medical Amnesty law. 

This law protects underage drinkers from criminal prosecution if they seek medical assistance for health care concerns due to alcohol use. 

“With Medical Amnesty, there is no reason not to call 911 if you are worried about a friend who has had too much to drink,” New said in the email. “Help your friend — make the call.”