ISUPD Sergeant Justin Gatewood stops a person west of campus to inspect their Ghost energy drink, 801 Day, August 24, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Known among students as 801 Day, the Saturday before classes has become a tradition among Iowa State students. The name comes from the ban on alcohol in fraternity houses during Iowa State’s rush week, which is lifted at 8:01 a.m. on the Saturday before the fall semester begins. 801 Day has evolved from a primarily Greek tradition to one that draws students and visitors who join in the festivities.
Sergeant Justin Gatewood, who has been with the Iowa State University Police Department (ISUPD) since 2001, noted that 801 Day only became a major event four or five years ago and gained momentum as a “new party day” after Veishea was canceled.
In response to the growing popularity and increase of nuisance parties, the City of Ames imposed immediate towing and a fine of $650 for the first offense and $855 for each repeat offense during the weekend.
According to Ames Municipal Code 17.30, a disruptive party is defined as “a social gathering at which any of the following occurs: public drunkenness or unauthorized alcohol-related activities, open urination/defecation, littering or destruction of property, unauthorized pedestrian/vehicle traffic or obstruction, unauthorized noise, fighting, or any conduct that threatens persons or property.”
The journey along
“Let’s set the tone early,” ISUPD Chief Michael Newton said at a police briefing early Saturday morning. Shortly before 8:01 a.m., officers left the armory on motorcycles, ATVs, golf carts and cars to patrol the Campustown area.
The first stop occurred around 8:30 a.m. when officers observed a small group with a case of alcohol on Sheldon Avenue. Gatewood and Officer Allison Aitchison approached the group and asked for a student’s ID.
After a brief pause, officers returned the ID and allowed the group to move on. Aitchison explained that she generally looks for people who appear to be younger than 21, have an open container, show stealthy movements or appear “very intoxicated.”
“We’re not here to ruin people’s day,” Gatewood said. “I went to college here, so I understand. We want to make things safer.”
Gatewood and Aitchison conducted several more stops throughout the morning, mostly for open drinks. If people were over 21, officers would ask them to pour out their drinks and then send them on their way. However, if students were found to be under the legal drinking age, officers would issue tickets.
The result
From 7 a.m. Saturday to 3 a.m. Sunday, 25 citations were issued for possession of alcohol under the legal age, including one underage charge. In addition, there were nine arrests for various offenses, such as public intoxication, obstruction of official business, and driving under the influence. Notably, 58.3% of those arrested or cited had no connection to Iowa State University.
This year’s 801 Day saw a decrease in alcohol-related reports, from 37 last year to 25. The number of arrests remained similarly high, at 13 last year and nine this year.
