MUNCIE, Ind. – An emergency ban on open burning prohibits the use of charcoal grills Saturday at Ball State University's homecoming football game.

University officials said that despite the popularity of using charcoal grills to cook hamburgers and hotdogs before and after football games, they will abide by an emergency proclamation of the Delaware County Commissioners prohibiting open fires and discarding of matches or lit cigarettes. Gas grills are permissible.

Lack of rain in the last month in Indiana has forced Gov. Frank O'Bannon to declare most of the state a fire hazard. Violators of the ban in Delaware County may be fined up to $2,500.

"The entire area is extremely dry despite recent rain," said Daniel Byrnes, director of athletic facilities. "Open fires could create a very hazardous situation."

To help football fans satisfy their appetites, concession stands at Ball State Stadium will increase the amount of food services available, he said.

"We would like to encourage our fans to continue tailgating," Andrea Seger, director of intercollegiate athletics, says. "We want our fans to come early and enjoy themselves in a safe manner with sandwiches, snacks, etc., but, avoiding the use of charcoal as mandated."

Fans attending the game may park at stadium lots and the adjacent Cardinal Village, which consists of several intramural fields next to the baseball/softball complex at Tillotson and Bethel avenues. Parking is also available at Northside Middle School.

Signs at the lots will be posted alerting fans to the ban. Parking attendants at the gates and the Ball State police bicycle patrol also will inform the public.

Stadium lots open at 9 a.m. Kick off for the game against Akron is 1 p.m.

By Marc Ransford, Communications Manager

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Byrnes at (765) 285-8708.)