Arkansas and Vanderbilt have each been fined for violations of the SEC’s field-storming policy after their fans rushed the field to celebrate monumental football victories on Saturday. The Commodores’ fine — $100,000 for the school’s first offense — comes after their historic upset of No. 1 Alabama. The Razorbacks, meanwhile, were hit for their celebration of a comeback victory over No. 4 Tennessee. This being Arkansas’ second violation of the field-storming policy, the school was fined $250,000.
Vanderbilt’s celebration began in the stadium as fans tore down the goalposts but continued onto the streets of Nashville as the Commodores’ faithful carried the goalposts onto Broadway, the city’s iconic touristy thoroughfare, before depositing the uprights into the Cumberland River.
The goalposts survived at Arkansas’ Razorback Stadium, however. Still, the field was completely covered in a sea of red celebrating the program’s first home win vs. an AP top-five team since a victory over No. 3 Tennessee in 1999.
As part of the SEC’s enhanced “access to competition area policy” that was implemented last year, league members are required to have a security plan to prevent field or court rushing. Field or court-storming is defined by the SEC as when fans reach the playing surface “when the visiting team and/or game officials are still on the playing surface.”
The revamped policy also increased fines for schools that don’t stop fans from rushing the field or court following games. First offenses now cost $100,000, while subsequent violations go up to $250,000 and $500,000.
