Dressed head-to-toe in red and purple under the blistering sun, Linfield Wildcat football fans are die-hard.

Standing in the crowded bleachers with your favorite Linfield water bottle in hand—oh, wait. Outside beverages aren’t allowed in Maxwell Field.

The field has restrictions on what fans can bring into the area. While the restrictions are limited to beverages, the recent 90-degree weather for both home football games in September make this rule a big deal.

That heat calls for a lot of hydration. Not only for the players, but the fans too.

Although the players have their water supplied for them, fans of the Catdome are not allowed to bring outside beverages through the gates. The gate checkers will not let anyone holding a drink, empty or full, through the gate.

Scott Carnahan, director of athletics for Linfield College, monitors and enforces these restrictions along with the employees during football games.

The main reason for the rule is to restrict outside beverages from the sporting events that offer concessions and require a ticket to watch the game: football and basketball.

Other fall sports like soccer and volleyball don’t have concessions or ticket revenue, so the rule doesn’t apply there.

Students are smart. The concern is that many will disguise an alcoholic drink to make it look like a harmless liquid.

Since tailgating is taking place before the football games and alcohol consumption occurs, the athletic department doesn’t want to encourage additional alcoholic consumption while in the Catdome.

That makes sense, but what’s the alternative?

Sparky’s Shack is the concession stand at Maxwell and offers a variety of food and beverage options. They only accept cash, but the closest ATM is in Riley Center, which is a 5-minute walk from the Catdome. The athletic department is looking to expand Internet connection to Sparky’s Shack to allow debit/credit card transactions in the future.

If a spectator does not want to spend the $2 for a bottle of water, there is a drinking fountain near the field that is free of charge.

The profit from Sparky’s Shack and ticket sales support non-budgeted items for the athletic department. The concession stand and ticket sales for basketball games that happen in the Health, Human Performance and Athletics building also support non-budgeted items.

As frustrating as it can be not to have the ability to supply yourself with your own water or other non-alcoholic beverages, the athletic department has valid reasons for their restrictions and offers a great alternative with Sparky’s.

Stay hydrated out there, Wildcats.