FAQ
Q: What is this website for?
This site is the official ticketing, donation, and apparel portal for the ZE Homecoming Tailgate 2026 (“THE ZE FRAT HOUSE”). It is primarily designed to help attendees and sponsors understand the experience model and complete registration-related actions
Q: Is this a brothers-only site?
Yes, this site is “CONFIDENTIAL—BROTHERS ONLY” and asks it not be shared with non-brothers, it also includes guest attendance pathways (Premium Guests and General wristbands). Treat the site as official event guidance and direct all special cases to the committee via the contact form, this website should not be shared with Non-Brothers. As a Brother you are responsible for processing ticket purchases for all of your guests via this website. Remember both Premium and General are both open to All ZE Brothers (and invited Nupes), plus our families, friends, and guests. The key component is invited. There is not a general public option for our ZE Homecoming Tailgate 2026 experience.
Q: Can non-Brothers buy Premium online?
No. Only Brothers can access the portal. Brothers may add Premium Guests.
Q: What if I miss the payment deadline?
Premium/General close on Oct 7. You may fellowship outside the tented areas.
Q: What ticket types are offered?
Ticket options include multiple “Premium” ticket levels (including brother, senior, undergraduate, guest) and a reserved sponsored table option. Always select the ticket type that matches the attendee (brother vs guest; standard vs senior/undergraduate).
Q: What does the Premium experience include?
Premium includes catered food, a premium bar, staffed beverage service, shaded seating, entertainment (including a jumbotron and DJ), and event-day credentialing (lanyard keepsake), among other items.
Q: What is the difference between Premium and General?
Premium is the full paid experience with amenities; General is a limited complimentary wristband model with fewer inclusions (notably, no food and no Premium bar access). General is also capped and managed separately.
Q: How do General wristbands work?
Request through David (Dave) Jackson (names required). Limited to 125.
Contact: dgjackson08@gmail.com or 803-586-7590
Q: Can a guest “upgrade” from General to Premium?
Guests who want full access must secure a Premium Guest fee via a brother; General is not the same as Premium and does not include Premium amenities.
Q: Are day-of payments allowed?
No—payments must be completed in advance; the site states there are no day-of payments or exceptions.
Q: What are the key deadlines I should know?
The site specifies a final payment deadline (Wednesday, October 7th, 2026) and also sets an apparel order cutoff date (Saturday, August 1st, 2026); both are emphasized as firm. Check the Info and Apparel/Store pages periodically for updates.
Q: Why do I see processing/platform fees?
The site notes platform processing fees are part of using the ticketing/payment portal and are outside committee control; the platform also requires cookies for full functionality.
Q: Are payments refundable?
The Info page states that payments are non-refundable. If you anticipate a conflict, resolve it before purchasing.
Q: Are installment plans available?
The site describes an 8‑month installment plan option via Zelle and/or Paypal, verified by the Finance & Sponsorship Sub‑Committee. Contact:
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Bro. David Jackson — 803‑586‑7590 • dgjackson08@gmail.com
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Bro. Jermaine Britton — 803‑546‑9591 • brittonjermaine442@gmail.com
Q: What if I miss the payment deadline?
The current FAQ states Premium/General close by the deadline and that you may still fellowship outside the tented areas.
Q: How do I look up my ticket purchase?
Use Ticket Lookup and enter the email used to purchase; the system sends an email with ticket information (check spam if it doesn’t arrive).
Q: How do I look up a past sponsorship/donation?
Use Donation Lookup on the Ticket Lookup page with the email used when donating; the system emails your donation information.
Q: What does a Premium Ticket or “sponsorship” (donation) help pay for?
The Info page lists cost transparency across 30+ production categories (e.g., entertainment/production, infrastructure/power, branding, hospitality, admin/compliance).
Q: How do I donate if I want to contribute beyond my ticket?
Use the Donate page to sponsor/make a donation of any amount toward the tailgate beyond Premium purchases or item sponsorship.
Q: How do I specify what I’m sponsoring (line, business, item)?
The donation flow requests that donors identify what they are sponsoring in the “On Behalf Of” field. If you want a precise sponsorship assignment, contact the sponsorship leads before donating. Contact:
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Bro. David Jackson — 803‑586‑7590 • dgjackson08@gmail.com
- Bro. Aaron Plush — 954-864-0434 • aaronrplush@gmail.com
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Bro. Jermaine Britton — 803‑546‑9591 • brittonjermaine442@gmail.com
Q: How does the sponsorship “line competition” work?
The donation/sponsorship section notes that cash, in-kind donations, and corporate matches count; a leaderboard is updated monthly and the winner is recognized on stage (cutoff Oct 7, 2026).
Q: Do sponsors receive recognition?
The sponsorship section states sponsors receive recognition such as digital/physical signage and MC shoutouts, with some on-stage recognitions.
Q: Are donations tax-deductible?
The site does not state a tax status for the event organization. If deductibility matters, confirm directly with the event organization and consider reviewing Internal Revenue Service guidance on charitable contribution deductibility.
Q: Is apparel included in the ticket price?
No—apparel is not included in the tailgate ticket fee and is an additional cost item.
Q: Can I buy apparel without registering for the event?
Yes
Q: What if I have sizing or delivery questions?
If you have questions about sizing, orders, or delivery, please contact Brothers Ty Walker 843.855.8101 or Aaron Plush 954.864.0434
Q: Where is the tailgate located?
The event location is listed in the Columbia area near Williams‑Brice Stadium, with the page noting that final address details may be updated closer to the date.
Q: Where do I find game-day parking and shuttle guidance?
The tailgate site does not provide parking instructions; use USC Athletics gameday parking resources and contacts for official, current guidance. Updates will be provided once location is finalized.
Q: Will there be discounted hotel blocks?
Yes. Discounted hotel room blocks have now been secured for Homecoming Weekend (November 5–8, 2026) to assist Brothers traveling to Columbia. We encourage attendees to reserve their rooms early, as Homecoming weekend in Columbia fills up quickly. Two hotels near campus are offering limited rooms at a group rate:
⚠️ Reservation Deadline: October 5, 2026
Rooms are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Columbia --> RSVP HERE
📍 230 Greystone Blvd, Columbia, SC
• 1 King Bed – 1 Bedroom Suite (Non-Smoking)
• Nightly Rates (pre-tax):
– Nov 5: $159
– Nov 6: $239
– Nov 7: $239
Tru by Hilton Columbia Greystone --> RSVP HERE
📍 185 Stoneridge Dr, Columbia, SC
• 1 King Bed
• Nightly Rate (pre-tax): $219
Q: How do I contact the organizers with a question?
Use the site’s contact form for event questions, especially for edge cases not covered in the FAQ. This helps centralize responses and reduces missed messages.
Q: Where can I see who is on the Planning Committee?
The Planning Committee page lists committee members. For safety and consistency, consider using it primarily for roles/functional contacts (not personal details) and rely on the contact form when possible.
Q: I want to volunteer—how can I help?
The current site does not provide a dedicated volunteer intake flow; use the contact form to ask where help is needed (check-in, logistics, sponsorship outreach, setup/breakdown).
Q: Are children allowed?
Children 18 and under of Brothers are complimentary. Use discretion; this is an adult‑centric experience.