Beer Sales At Fouts Public Concessions?

[gangrene]

I know this is another common off-season topic, but it's better than expansion talk, right?

Please state your preference and rationale.

Below are several articles on what other programs are doing or have done over the last few years. Keep in mind, while the NCAA does not encourage alcohol sales at sporting events, they do not regulate school activities during the regular season in any sport, so the decision is at the discretion of the individual institution.

Beer sales at Memphis opener provide a boon to city's coffers (USA Today)

Beer sales totaled $114,576 after Sunday's opener, meeting 40% of the revenue goal the city had hoped to take in for the season to pay for recent stadium improvements. "We're tickled pink," said Memphis Mayor Pro Tem Myron Lowery.

Beer Sales Make a Comeback at College Stadiums: Struggling Cities and Schools Hope to Cash In While Avoiding Underage Drinking and Violence; No Suds After Halftime (Wall Street Journal)

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette this weekend expects to allow fans for the first time to buy beer inside "The Swamp," as the school's stadium is known.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette will share revenues from its pending beer sales with Sodexo, the U.S. unit of Paris-based facilities-management company Sodexo SA. Neither school officials nor Sodexo executives would comment on the contract's details, but Russ Mushro, a Sodexo vice president, said contracts typically give schools between 25% and 50% of concession sales.

He said concessions generate about $6 per fan when beer is included. Last year, The Ragin' Cajuns attracted, on average, 21,500 fans per game

University (La-La) decides to allow beer inside stadium

Last Call? Administrators continue to struggle with decisions regarding the sale of alcohol at sporting events.

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum officials estimated in September that concessions revenues generated during University of Southern California home football games could suffer a $1.8 million setback this season. The reason? USC's decision to ban alcohol sales during the games.

CU became the last school among its Big 12 Conference peers to say no to beer sales to the general public at football games in 1996, and the impact was immediate. Comparing the 1995 season (when beer was last sold at Folsom Field) to 1996, the total number of game-day arrests fell from 20 to 11, and the total number of CU students referred to the Office of Judicial Affairs for alcohol-related reasons plummeted from 58 to 11. Summarizing such statistical evidence, as well as ticket-holder survey results indicating tolerance of or mere indifference to the beer ban, CU researchers summarized their findings in the September 2001 Journal of American College Health by stating, "The study illustrates what can be achieved when alcohol is eliminated from a setting that frequently fosters disorderly and aggressive behaviors."

But despite the ban becoming permanent in 1998 (though beer and wine are currently available in private suites and a communal club area), the bad behaviors returned and are now back to pre-prohibition levels or worse. This season, total game-day arrests rose to 45, Office of Judicial Affairs referrals topped out at 48, and CU police ejected 248 patrons from the stadium, more than double the number in 1995.

Policy evokes sobering reply

Texas colleges see no need for Minnesota-like program since logistics and responsible drinking by fans make it untenable (Houston Chronicle on UH-Robertson Stadium)

Take 32,114 blissfully boisterous University of Houston fans, sprinkle in beer for sale at Robertson Stadium and what do you get? Apparently, a well-behaved crowd.

[glick1980]

We should sell beer fo' sho'. For one, most of the fans are already drinking beer outside the stadium so why not let them have it inside. And two, it will generate more revenue for our school.

[jtm0097]

They should just sell it at the games, its not like people don't drink in the parking lots.

[KingDL1]

Yes should be the number 1 answer because it gives people more of a reason to go into the stadium.

[KRAM1]

I like beer. I also like the revenue it brings. The "problems" associated with the possible sale of beer can be handled. However, I understand the only place to buy beer in the new stadium will be the Club Level seating area. No more Mean green Club area like the current pavilion.

[The Fake Lonnie Finch]

Voted "No" because "Hell No!" wasn't an option.

There are already too many drunk rednecks at college football games. Let them drink in the parking lot and hope to God they can't find their way in. The refreshing thing about UNT games is that it's family friendly.

[Army of Dad]

Not just at Fouts, but all games. Beer sales in the Super Pit would sure be nice and provide a nice revenue bump for the program. Allowing beer sales would make softball a better spectator sport too and the NCAA already seems to not like us so what is there to lose?

[KRAM1]

Not just at Fouts, but all games. Beer sales in the Super Pit would sure be nice and provide a nice revenue bump for the program. Allowing beer sales would make softball a better spectator sport too and the NCAA already seems to not like us so what is there to lose?

To my knowledge, there is no NCAA prohibition against beer sales.

[wardly]

Voted "No" because "Hell No!" wasn't an option.

There are already too many drunk rednecks at college football games. Let them drink in the parking lot and hope to God they can't find their way in. The refreshing thing about UNT games is that it's family friendly.

besides, i never liked being around drunks, even when i was one.

[Mean Green 93-98]

No.

If athletics are a "window to the university," do we really want people peeking in to see a bunch of rowdy drunks? The University of North Texas is trying to improve its image, and reinforcing stereotypes of drunken college students will not help matters. Even college fraternity houses have universally gone dry.

[buff64]

Texas law prohibits sale of alcohol on public campuses , I could be mistaken.

[gangrene]

To my knowledge, there is no NCAA prohibition against beer sales.

Nope, and the linked stories I posted are regarding several universities that allow beer sales at football games. I think the number of FBS schools that allow beer sales at general concession areas is 18, while the number that sell beer in private suites/boxes is over 50. The NCAA only bans beer sales at NCAA championship games and has advertising limits of 60 seconds/per hour for TV broadcasts (as well as in-stadium bans) of NCAA championship games. They have no authority to regulate regular season or even bowl games, nor can they ban cities or universities from selling alcohol in their stadiums/arenas. Now, for obvious reasons, they will publicly distance their organization from supporting alcohol sales but they also know where the money is - which is why they still allow the TV advertising. The official NCAA response is, "The NCAA is concerned about alcohol abuse linked to athletics events," according to spokesperson Stacey Osburn.

From the WSJ article I previously posted:

Although the National Collegiate Athletic Association bans alcohol sales and signage at the championship events it controls, it doesn't regulate school activities during the regular season. The nation's various athletic conferences also generally pursue a hands-off policy, though some do limit or ban alcohol sales at conference-sponsored tournaments and championship games.

[Mean Green Matt]

No.

If athletics are a "window to the university," do we really want people peeking in to see a bunch of rowdy drunks? The University of North Texas is trying to improve its image, and reinforcing stereotypes of drunken college students will not help matters. Even college fraternity houses have universally gone dry.

The only time that UNT fraternity houses are required to be dry is during rush week. Other than that there are no restrictions.

[KingDL1]

Texas law prohibits sale of alcohol on public campuses , I could be mistaken.

That is not true, and we already sell beer on the Deck.

[Mean Green Matt]

Texas law prohibits sale of alcohol on public campuses , I could be mistaken.

Alcohol is sold during concerts at The Syndicate in the Student Union.

[KingDL1]

No.

If athletics are a "window to the university," do we really want people peeking in to see a bunch of rowdy drunks? The University of North Texas is trying to improve its image, and reinforcing stereotypes of drunken college students will not help matters. Even college fraternity houses have universally gone dry.

Only during Rush and well maybe at Baylor beyond rush.

[gangrene]

Texas law prohibits sale of alcohol on public campuses , I could be mistaken.

The University of Houston's Robertson Stadium is on the UH campus. Same for UT (where beer sales are allowed, but limited to certain areas) and most every other public campus in Texas. In fact, UNT even has a beer and wine license:

SECTION NINE – Alcohol Guidelines

The University of North Texas has a beer & wine retailer's license. All alcohol service in Gateway and on campus must be in compliance with the University alcohol policy. See UNT policy manual number 10.14.

[Mean Green 93-98]

Texas law prohibits sale of alcohol on public campuses , I could be mistaken.

Don't think so. There was a bar on campus when I was a student.

[Mean Green 93-98]

The only time that UNT fraternity houses are required to be dry is during rush week. Other than that there are no restrictions.

Hmmm. Well, that's the same rule that was in place back when I was a student. Several old fraternity brothers of mine had told me that the houses had all gone dry. They may not be a good source, though. They were probably hammered.

[mrsgreengoblin]

Hmmm. Well, that's the same rule that was in place back when I was a student. Several old fraternity brothers of mine had told me that the houses had all gone dry. They may not be a good source, though. They were probably hammered.

My husband was in a fraternity while at UNT and we still see current members/pledges etc. every football season so unless they changed the rule since last August, all the houses are dry.

[UNTGuy5]

Yes! When I was a student at UNT, tons of my friends would leave the game at halftime to go get beer. Why not sell it at the stadium until the end of the 3rd quarter, and keep those people in their seats? They'd make a little more money, and more people would be around to see the end of the game. Should be some pretty exciting finishes this year.

[Army of Dad]

Yes! When I was a student at UNT, tons of my friends would leave the game at halftime to go get beer. Why not sell it at the stadium until the end of the 3rd quarter, and keep those people in their seats? They'd make a little more money, and more people would be around to see the end of the game. Should be some pretty exciting finishes this year.

At Florida reentry is allowed and there are a bunch of bars basically across the street from The Swamp. Those bars have tables full of beer ready for the halftime rush. Blowouts sometimes mean small crowds for the second half...

[UNTcrazy727]

Hmmm. Well, that's the same rule that was in place back when I was a student. Several old fraternity brothers of mine had told me that the houses had all gone dry. They may not be a good source, though. They were probably hammered.

I'm not sure, but I don't think the school usually controls whether or not a fraternity house is dry or not. I think each fraternity has their own rules set by themselves, alumni, or nationals.

[gangrene]

Voted "No" because "Hell No!" wasn't an option.

There are already too many drunk rednecks at college football games. Let them drink in the parking lot and hope to God they can't find their way in. The refreshing thing about UNT games is that it's family friendly.

Valid concerns but let me ask you, do you consider a Ranger's game "family friendly"? How about Six Flags Over Texas? State Fair of Texas? Schlitterbahn?

If athletics are a "window to the university," do we really want people peeking in to see a bunch of rowdy drunks? The University of North Texas is trying to improve its image, and reinforcing stereotypes of drunken college students will not help matters.

I'm not sure allowing alcohol sales within the stadium would result in any more or any less "rowdy drunks" than we already have. Many of those that want to drink within the stadium already do so and many college students wouldn't be served because they are under age. Besides, the beer could be sold for $8 a cup, which would keep a lot of the budget-conscious college students from over-indulging. Also, most sports venues that serve alcohol have implemented texting services that allow fans to report disorderly or disruptive behavior directly to stadium security.

Personally, I don't really care one way or the other. I voted yes because I don't mind having a beer or two while I watch the game, just as I do at UT, Mavs, Rangers and Cowboys games, but it's not something I desperately desire. However, I think there are some major financial benefits of allowing alcohol sales within the general concession areas. I propose a one-season test, positioned as a Fouts farewell party. If it generates a major bump in revenue, without too many undesired side effects, then it should be considered for the new stadium as well. We're not SMU or TCU in that we don't have to answer to a major religious group.

They'd make a little more money, and more people would be around to see the end of the game. Should be some pretty exciting finishes this year.

Would it make the post-loss fireworks shows more interesting?

[greenjoe]

How about a trial season. Try it and see how things work out with no guarantee that the experiment will continue. And handle it like pro sports handle it. No beer sales after the end of the third quarter or midway through the second half.

I think it might bring in more fans.

Have you bought your season tickets yet ? Whatcha waitin' for.