Mercer Tailgaters Toast to Open Container Ordinance

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Mercer University players hit the gridiron pulling a dramatic 40-37 win over Reinhardt, one of the major game changers surrounded Bear fans and brews.

In August, city officials extended the playbook adding a new open container ordinance. It allows fans to drink in designated areas across Macon on game days. On Saturday, tailgaters at Tatnall Square Park toasted to the big win and the new rules.

“It’s bringing sports into downtown Macon, an event we haven’t had in a long time,” said tailgater Jamie Hudo.

“It just opening up possibilities for people to be social and think about living downtown and think about Mercer in a new way,” said tailgater Charlie Thomas.

The ordinance allows tailgaters to drink alcohol in paper or plastic cups, plastic bottles or aluminum cans from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the eight Saturday home football games in designated downtown areas. Glass containers are prohibited.

An estimated 10,000 people poured up and partied in the streets of Macon on Saturday. Additional Macon Police officers monitored traffic and patrolled roadways and shuttles were set up to provide people with a safe route to and from the stadium.

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