For the first time in the 30 years St. John’s College and the Naval Academy have been playing croquet, guests will not be able to bring alcohol onto the St. John’s campus for the annual party.
St. John’s officials said the school instead will sell champagne, beer and wine at the event, according to a release.
Leo Pickens, St. John’s director of alumni relations, said in an email that the change is an “attempt to moderate some of the excesses that have proliferated in recent years due to the growing popularity of the event.”
“It’s that simple,” he said. “It’s not a way for the college to make money off the spectators.”
The annual event is scheduled for the front lawn of St. John’s College at 1 p.m. April 28. The rain date is April 29.
According to the release, “spectators can still bring lavish picnics” to the game. But also new for this year, those wishing to have a space for a tent will have to pay to reserve a spot.
Pickens said in the past tent space has been on a first-come, first-served basis.
“Again, given the number of folks who want to bring their own tents, this is an attempt to exert a modicum of control for everyone’s benefit,” he said in the email.
Tent space must be reserved in advance for $25 by April 20. The fee is waived for alumni, but reservations are required, according to the school’s website.
To reserve a spot, contact Dolores Strissel at 410-626-2531.
