Pioneer High School Parking & Tailgating Rules

Pioneer High School is one of the most popular Michigan Football parking and tailgating locations in Ann Arbor. To help create a safe, organized, and enjoyable game day and concert environment, all guests parking at Pioneer High School are expected to follow the rules and regulations below.

These rules are intended for standard University of Michigan football game days and concerts at Pioneer High School and may be updated or adjusted for certain events. By parking at Pioneer High School, guests agree to follow all posted policies, staff instructions, and applicable safety requirements.

Lot Opening Times & Entry

• For games beginning between noon and 3:30 p.m., gates open at 6:00 a.m.
• For evening games, gates open at 11:00 a.m.
• You may not enter the parking areas before the posted opening times.
• Vehicles arriving early may not stage or wait in parking areas without staff direction.
• All prepaid guests must present their reservation QR code for entry, either on a mobile phone or in printed form.
• No re-entry is permitted once you leave the property.
• Vehicles must depart by two (2) hours after event's completion.

Parking Procedures

• Parking attendants direct and coordinate all parking.
• Random or self-selected parking is not permitted.
• General parking is not assigned to a specific lot or zone and is parked based on availability.
• Reserved or designated parking passes must enter through the correct gate for their pass type.
• Parking spaces may not be saved for other vehicles.
• Improperly parked vehicles may be towed at the owner’s expense.
• If you want to park near friends, your best option is to arrive together.

Vehicle Rules

• All vehicles must fit within a standard parking space, approximately 9 feet wide by 19 feet long.
• No RVs, campers, trailers, passenger vans, limousines, buses, motorhomes, box trucks, or Sprinter Vans are permitted.
• No vehicle longer than 19 feet is allowed.
• Every reserved parking space must be occupied by a vehicle.
• You may not reserve multiple spaces and use one or more solely for tailgating.
• Guests arriving in a prohibited vehicle type may be turned away at the gate without a refund.

Tailgating Rules

• Tailgating is permitted immediately around your vehicle, as space allows.
• Your entire tailgate setup must remain within the footprint of your parking space.
• One pop-up tent up to 10' x 10' is generally permitted immediately behind or in front of your vehicle, subject to space and safety conditions.
• Tents may not be allowed in certain areas or under certain conditions.
• Tailgate setups may not block parking aisles, pedestrian access, emergency routes, or nearby vehicles.
• Side-by-side parking is not guaranteed.

Fire, Generator & Tent Safety Rules

• No gas-powered or combustible fuel-powered generators are permitted.
• No propane or electric heating equipment is allowed inside a tent.
• No open flames are allowed inside or within a tent.
• Gas grills are permitted only outside the tent area and must be kept away from tents and vehicles.
• No charcoal grills, fire pits, or open-flame devices should be used in violation of posted rules or safety spacing requirements.
• Tents must not exceed 10' x 10' for standard parking-space tailgating unless separately approved.
• Roads and pathways must remain open with at least 20 feet of emergency access width.
• Tents must be anchored for weather and must be placed safely away from vehicles, buildings, lot lines, and ignition sources.
• Tents over 400 square feet require a permit from the City of Ann Arbor.

Conduct, Alcohol, Tobacco & School Property Rules

• Guests must treat parking staff, school property, and other patrons respectfully at all times.
• Disorderly or abusive behavior may result in immediate removal from the property.
• Ann Arbor Public Schools property is an alcohol- and tobacco-free school zone.
• Open intoxicants, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and illegal substances are prohibited on school property.
• Damage to school property or failure to follow staff instructions may result in dismissal and loss of parking privileges.

Restrooms, Trash, Waste & Cleanliness

• Portable toilets, including accessible units, are provided at various locations throughout Pioneer grounds.
• Portable toilets marked as private are reserved for private parties only.
• Personal portable or camping toilets are not permitted.
• Public urination and defecation are strictly prohibited.
• Guests are expected to keep their area clean and use the trash receptacles provided or take trash with them.
• The discharge of wastewater onto school district property is prohibited and may result in substantial fines.

Pets, Signs, Drones & Miscellaneous Rules

• Pets are allowed only if leashed and supervised at all times, and owners must clean up after them immediately.
• No drones are allowed.
• Advertising banners, promotional materials, fundraising materials, and political signage or distribution are not permitted on site.
• Parking passes may not be altered, copied, shared, or reproduced.
• Duplicate or reused QR codes are prohibited and will not be accepted.

Weather, Refunds & Important Notices

• On days with inclement or severe weather, Ann Arbor Public Schools determines which parking areas are safe and suitable for use.
• If you are unsatisfied with your parking arrangement, notify a parking attendant immediately.
• Any refund decisions are made at management’s discretion.
• No refunds are issued after kickoff.
• All sales may be considered final depending on the reservation terms presented at checkout.

Reserve with Confidence & Arrive Prepared

Pioneer High School remains one of the most established and in-demand Michigan Football parking locations in Ann Arbor because of its convenience, game day atmosphere, and walkable access to Michigan Stadium. The best way to have a smooth experience is to arrive with the correct vehicle type, have your QR code ready, follow staff instructions, and keep your tailgate setup within the rules.

If you are reserving Pioneer High School parking for a University of Michigan football game, review these rules before arrival so your game day starts smoothly and stays that way.