HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University's Friendship Circle will feature open tailgating with no reservations or fees required for football games during the 2013 season, school officials announced on Wednesday. Season parking passes in the circle will be available for purchase.

For the Lions' four Saturday games, Southeastern fans are encouraged to arrive early to claim their tailgating spots and take part in the traditional “Lion Walk” two-and-a-half hours prior to kickoff as the football team makes it way to historic Strawberry Stadium. For the Lions' two Thursday night games – the season opener against Southeast Missouri on Aug. 29 and in the River Bell Classic on Nov. 21 against arch-rival Nicholls State – fans are invited to start tailgating on campus at 4 p.m.

Some locations will be identified and reserved for specific university-affiliated reunions on Homecoming Day on Oct. 26 against Lamar. Also, the traditional Southeastern Alumni Association location will be permanently reserved for its tent in front of the Pottle Performance Circle.

All previous university regulations and policies regarding appropriate behavior of tailgaters remain in place.

Also new this fall, football season parking passes for spaces in the circle are available for $50 on a first-come, first-served basis. The season passes include all home games during the 2013 season with the exception of the Lions' Homecoming contest. Suggested alternative parking for those with parking passes will be made available for that day.

To purchase season parking passes, contact the Southeastern Athletic Ticket Office at (985) 549-5466.

Southeastern will play six games in Strawberry Stadium for the first time since 2009, including a pair of Thursday night contests. The Lions will host Incarnate Word in non-conference action on Oct. 5 before opening Southland Conference play against Stephen F. Austin on Oct. 12.

Southeastern will close out the regular-season with a pair of games beginning Nov. 16 against defending FCS national runner-up Sam Houston State before facing arch-rival Nicholls State in a Thursday night contest on Nov. 21.