BROOKINGS, S.D. (AP) As another Hobo Day homecoming approaches tomorrow, NFL Hall of Fame center Jim Langer says enforcement of tailgating rules has been a bit excessive at his alma mater, South Dakota State University.

SDSU's policy includes closing the tailgating area near the stadium a half hour before the start of Football games and keeping it closed during and after the games.

Before the Sept. 13 Beef Bowl game, some fans say they felt they were being herded into the stadium and treated as lawbreakers. One Brookings man was arrested and fined for failure to vacate.

Langer says a squad car that was constantly circling kept him and some fellow alumni under constant scrutiny while they were tailgating.

SDSU Athletic Director Fred Oien (OY'-uhn) says some people had been spending the whole ballgame in the tailgating area and never bought a ticket and had no intention of supporting the Jackrabbits in the stadium.

School officials say the policy is modeled after those at numerous other universities.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 10-03-08 1137CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list