Addie McCluskey
Elmore Autauga News
The Prattville City Council approves a tailgate village and sponsored parking area at Stanley-Jensen Stadium, Sept. 16, 2025, in a unanimous vote during their regular meeting at City Hall.
The resolution had originally been slated for a vote, Sept. 2, 2025, but it was postponed after residents raised questions that councilors could not immediately answer. (Read more about this meeting here.)
In the weeks that followed, Michael Whaley, councilor for District 5, reviewed the city’s ordinances and concluded that Section 51-23A already grants the director of Prattville Parks and Recreation the authority to approve such requests.
“The fee is not being charged to the public to park in the area, so I’m not really sure why it had to come before us in the form of a resolution,” said Whaley.
Andrew Odom, the council’s attorney, responded with an explanation of what a resolution is, clarifying that it is an expression of intent by the council.
“I agree,” said Odom. “I think the director does have that authority, so you guys can choose to adopt that expression of intent or not.”
Following the discussion, the council voted unanimously in favor of the resolution, giving the Prattville High School Athletic Association (PHSAA) permission to create a tailgate village and collect sponsorship fees to benefit Prattville High School Athletics.
Tailgate Village will be set up in the parking lot between the Gillespie Center and the stadium. It will be free and open to the public, with spots available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
“This will be just like a tailgate experience at Auburn or Alabama where you go find your spot and set up,” said Kellie Cook, director of Prattville Parks and Recreation.
Sponsors of PHSAA will also receive reserved parking as part of their sponsorship benefits. Free public parking will remain available nearby, with clear signage directing fans to the right areas.
Under the resolution, PHSAA must provide monthly reports to the council detailing fees collected and how funds are spent.
For those interested, the full meeting is available to watch here.
