We asked BC parents what they miss about Shea

Within the past couple years, the attendance at the tailgating spot we have come to know and love has slowly declined.

Not too long ago, you could walk right onto Shea and expect wild energy, excessive drinking, and burgers galore.

Shea Field in 2013

This is no longer the case.

Boston College, in coalition with the town of Brighton, has implemented some major restrictions to tailgate on Shea Field. For example, in order to enter Shea, you need a specific green ticket that only comes with your purchase of a parking spot on the field. This severely limits attendance.

The number of parking spots available has been nearly cut in half – now you can actually see grass. Police reinforcement has increased, causing the number of underage drinking citations to skyrocket.

Shea Field in 2015

It’s clear that the atmosphere is no longer the same, and people have not been shy about sharing their feelings about the changes.

The Tab asked some Shea tailgaters during the Wake Forest game to get a better sense of just how these new regulations have affected their experiences.

Parents and alum readily expressed their opinions.

Dillon Semple, class of ‘08, said: “It’s more open, full of wide empty spaces – similar to an eerily calm prison yard, or battle field. I’m waiting for the tear gas to start flying at any point.”

Dillon Semple, Class of 2008

Christina Bill, mother of Anders Bill (class of ‘17), said: “In general there’s no energy, there’s no feeling of camaraderie. I just want to be with my children and I literally have to go look for my son. I just love that family feeling of everybody being together.”

Christina Bill, mother of Anders Bill (class of ’17)

Chris Moore, father of Ryan Moore (class of ‘17), similarly said: “Last year it reminded me of a true college atmosphere– ACC, SEC type party, pregame party. This year is quite different, more adults, not enough kids, it’s too controlled.”

His wife, Laurine Moore, agreed and added: “It’s very adult. Where are the kids?”

Frank Candelieri, John McCarthy, and Chris Moore, father of junior Ryan Moore

Lisa Candelieri and daughter junior Gabriella Candelieri

Mr. Biestick, who played football at BC with the likes of Doug Flutie, said: “It’s a clear overcorrection to a problem that was barely there. It’s not fun, getting in here is like going through airplane security. Go to an SEC game, then come back to BC, and you’ll laugh.  Not as good as it has been in the past, it seems like it has been downgraded – over-regulated.”

Mr. Biestick (class of ’81)

Matt O’Keefe, who graduated in 1999, was extremely hesitant to answer or give his name. Laughing, he said: “Give me a second to think about it. It’s just that, it’s a lot more low key than what it used to be last year. Last year it was a much more fun atmosphere, a lot more people hanging out kind of closer together, more of a party, community feeling.”

Matt O’Keefe (center) with family

One anonymous alum, who graduated in 1982, said: “I am respectful and understand why they have to have the rules but what happens is when you constrict it in one spot, as far as controlling overzealous partying and going crazy, it’s like a water balloon, you squish it here, it comes out somewhere else. I don’t know where but somewhere else.”

Another anonymous alum, class of ‘81, added: “Much less students, and you know, that’s what’s missed. Because that was a big exciting part of games. I do like the reserved spaces, that’s a positive, but I wish we had more spaces.”

Although we received an overwhelmingly amount of critical responses, one parent viewed the change as a positive.  

John McCarthy, father to daughter recent graduate Anya McCarthy, said: “When you almost get hit in the head with a beer bottle, the college needs to realize that it has a liability issue it needed to address. I like Shea field this year, designated spots give the field a  better layout.”

Flying beer bottles be gone.