The head coach of the Sarnia Imperials says regulated tailgating could be coming to Norm Perry Park.
Jake Cherski said he believes new provincial legislation presents an opportunity to put more fans in the seats at Sarnia home games.
Provincial changes would allow any venue within a reasonable distance from a major sports complex to apply for a special occasion liquor permit-- permit holders would also be able to sell alcohol on their properties.
Cherski said he wants to explore the idea.
"I think to have the acceptance of that, it might allow us to open it up and support it, maybe get some bars involved where it's 'brought to you by' a certain bar. We could potentially get a patio in there with a liquor licence-- it might just be able to push that stuff through," said Cherski. "I kind of think there's always been a tailgate air around Norm Perry Park when we play anyways, just with our fans being older aged people and your friends are your friends in your mid-20s. That stuff just happens whether we like it or not."
Cherski said if tailgate parties become a reality at Norm Perry Park, they will be for all ages.
He said he'd love to see the practice promote the game of football among younger generations.
"You know there's nothing we love seeing more than when there's like 10 or 15 kids on the other field when it's not being rented, just throwing the ball around and playing football," he said.
The Imperials host the Sault Steelers May 25 to kick off their 2019 campaign.
