AMHERST, Mass. – The University of Massachusetts and Amherst town officials have developed a plan they hope will prevent a repeat of the drunken rowdiness that accompanied last year's so-called Blarney Blowout pre-St. Patrick's Day parties.
The university, using a plan similar to one used to prevent problems after this year's Super Bowl, will ban dormitory residents from having guests from March 5 until March 9. More than 7,000 people registered as guests in UMass dorms during last year's Blowout weekend.
More than 50 people were arrested at last year's Blarney Blowout, a series of parties on and off campus. Less than half were UMass students.
The university will also provide alternate activities for students that weekend, including a concert.
Downtown bars will not be doing any advertising for events during that weekend.
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