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SEC Updates Field-Storming Fines After Repeated Violations Last Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By J.C. Shelton | Last updated May 29, 2025 7:19 PM ET

The SEC will impose steeper fines for field-storming violations during the 2025 college football season, commissioner Greg Sankey announced on Thursday.

The conference updated its field-storming policy ahead of the 2024 season, too. Using an escalating scale, programs were fined $100,000 for a first offense with the number growing to $250,000 and $500,000 for continued violations.

Vanderbilt was the first school fined last season, as Commodores' fans rushed the field at FirstBank Stadium after the historic upset of then No. 1 Alabama, 40-35, on Oct. 6.

The Crimson Tide were on the other side of another violation after being upset by Oklahoma, 24-3, on Nov. 23 at Memorial Stadium.

Fines also extended to the basketball court, where Vanderbilt was fined two more times, including a $500,000 violation, after the Commodores witnessed two court storming instances over the span of one week.

Additionally, Ole Miss was fined $500,000 for Rebels basketball fans rushing the court after the upset over then No. 4 Tennessee, 78-76, on March 6 at the Pavilion.

Sankey and the SEC appear to be squeezing down on violations moving forward, as the conference has ditched the escalating scale for a set fine of $500,000 for each offense, according to Jordan Kaye of The State.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey making some closing remarks at the SEC Meetings.

He said all field/court stormings will cost the home team $500,000. There will be no more escalating scale — $100k to $250k to $500k
— Jordan Kaye (@jordankaye_23) May 29, 2025

Schools can work around these situations by allowing opposing teams to exit the field/court before letting fans leave their seats in celebration. Georgia basketball implemented that plan on Feb. 25 after upsetting then No. 3 Florida, 88-83, in Stegeman Coliseum.

UGA football head coach Kirby Smart played a key role in pleading with fans to let the Gators exit the court first. And it worked, allowing the Bulldogs to avoid a costly fine.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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