Salt Lake City Police Send Message to Utes Fans About ‘Public Disturbance’

As college football season gets underway, excitement is palpable in Salt Lake City, but local police are urging fans not to get too bored. Each year, the start of the season brings an increase in calls for public order, including reports of large parties, underage drinking, fights and public indecency, according to a press release from the Salt Lake City Police Department.

After the University of Utah football team’s 49-0 victory over Southern Utah University at Rice-Eccles Stadium, police officers conducted an outreach to remind residents of the city’s noise ordinances. While police did not issue tickets, they did remind partygoers that excessive noise, especially late at night, is not allowed.

“While most parties do not occur on university property, they often involve students,” the SLCPD said. “If necessary, the university will enforce disciplinary policies against the most egregious actors.”

Despite the fans’ enthusiasm, authorities have warned fans to be careful about their actions on game days. Last year, when celebrations got out of hand, police and the University of Utah sent letters to residents stressing mutual respect and the consequences of disruptive behavior. The university warned that it would discipline students involved in the most serious incidents.

The city’s noise ordinance prohibits loud noises between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m., with specific decibel limits for daytime hours. Party organizers could face service fees and other penalties if police are repeatedly called to address violations.

With passion for Utah football running high, the message is clear: enjoy the game, but don’t let the celebration get out of hand.

Baylor will travel to Rice-Eccles Stadium to face the Utes on Saturday. The extra conference game scheduled to start the season was decided before Utah joined the Big 12.