It’s that time of year when residents start screaming at their televisions: college football season.
And Salt Lake City police are urging fans to remain calm.
Every year, police receive an increase of calls to maintain public order, including reports of large parties, underage drinking, fights and public indecency, according to a department news release.
Because of the influx of passion during and after the University of Utah football team’s season opener, officers conducted outreach Thursday night from 400 South to 600 South and 1000 East to 1300 East, reminding several large parties that the city has a noise ordinance on the books. Police didn’t issue any tickets.
Those Utes fans had reason to celebrate: Utah trounced Southern Utah University 49-0 in the first bout of the year at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Fans, however, still need to be aware that overdoing it on game day can have consequences, according to the release. When things got out of hand last year, authorities — along with the U. — sent residents letters “stressing mutual respect.”
“The university and Salt Lake City police continue to work to mitigate the impacts of large gatherings,” the police department said Thursday. “While many of the parties are not happening on university-owned properties, they often involve university students. If necessary, the university will enforce discipline policies on the most egregious actors.”
Whether fans are fuming over flags, frantic about a fumble, rapturous over a runback or exhilarated — if that’s their thing — by an extra point, the city prohibits loud noise between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. The city’s noise ordinance also sets decibel limits for “extremely loud noise” during the day.
Hosts may be liable for services fees — and other penalties — each time an officer responds to a party with violations, according to the news release. People should use 911 only to report emergencies, such as:
• Fights in progress.
• People with weapons.
• Criminal mischief.
• Drug use or underage drinking.
• Blockage of public rights of way.
• Medical emergencies like drug overdose or alcohol poisoning.
To report nonemergencies, like a loud party, police say neighbors should call 801-799-3000.