With the Patriots in the Super Bowl, UMass-Amherst officials this weekend are restricting dormitory access.
A no-guests policy is in effect in all dorms from noon Sunday until noon Monday; students are allowed access only to their own residence halls.
Like some other schools, UMass students have a history of drunken celebrations after major sporting events. Campus spokesperson Ed Blaguszewski says managing crowds before an event is key; free food, raffles, and Super Bowl viewing will be offered in dorms, dining halls and the Student Union.
Blaguszewski admits this approach hasn’t been hugely successful in the past.
“What I think is different this time in terms of the counter programming, if you will, is that it’s wide spread across campus. So, we’re hoping,” Blaguszewski says, “that will provide a good set of options and students will come.”
UMass officials say some students have been on social media calling for “riots” on campus and to ignore police. They’re asking students to “defy expectations.”