JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As Raines and Ribault football fans gear up for the annual Northwest Classic rivalry game, some are upset about the cost of tailgating.
The game is being held at Raines High School this year, and game flyers quote tailgating prices at $200 per tent. Alumni of the high schools said that is more than double the price last year and is too much to pay for a high school event.
But a former Raines Booster Club member, Gene White, said the money goes toward security for the game and other student needs, like testing costs and athletics.
“It's not just about Raines and Ribault anymore. Alumni come from any school just to be a part of the culture, so with more people comes more demand for police, so that's why the tailgate needed to be $200,” White said.
Hundreds attend the annual game, and according to alumni, initial tailgate fees in 2009 were $20. Costs for tailgating since have ranged from $40 to $60.
The jump to $200 this year also includes three times the space provided in previous years.
“It is to cover the cleanup as well as a lot of other intangible things associated with the game,” said White. “Let's party with a purpose and really help the kids.”
A spokesperson for Duval County Public Schools said this year, Raines Booster Club is collecting the money, which goes back to the school, but district officials are working to find out how much of the money the schools will get.
News4Jax has made a public records request for documents detailing exactly where the tailgating money will be spent at the schools.