This fall, Purdue Athletics will expand beer and wine sales in Ross-Ade Stadium and Mackey Arena. The department was authorized to expand sales by the Purdue Board of Trustees and university president Mitch Daniels.
Beer, wine and liquor have been available in the premium seating section at Ross-Ade since 2003, and at the South End Zone Patio since 2015. Mackey Arena has been benefitting from alcohol sales in its club spaces since 2011.
This fall, Purdue Athletics will expand beer and wine sales in Ross-Ade Stadium and Mackey Arena. The department was authorized to expand sales by the Purdue Board of Trustees and university president Mitch Daniels.
Beer, wine and liquor have been available in the premium seating section at Ross-Ade since 2003, and at the South End Zone Patio since 2015. Mackey Arena has been benefitting from alcohol sales in its club spaces since 2011.
Starting this fall, alcohol will become available for purchase at concessions points throughout both venues, except at the concourse area immediately next to the student sections.
Purdue vice president and athletics director Mike Bobinski was quoted on purduesports.com saying, “We had extensive discussions with campus police and safety and security, and what we learned is that our fans have responded very favorably to being able to purchase beer and wine on the South End Zone Patio.
“The atmosphere in the South End Zone is very positive, and there have been fewer alcohol-related incidents on gamedays since its inception. As a result, in an attempt to further enhance our gameday experience and provide an additional amenity for our fans, we believe the time is right to offer this expanded opportunity.”
After consulting other schools, Purdue athletics staff has decided on a list of best practices for alcohol sales, including defined cease-of-sales times during games.
Alcohol will be unavailable for fans after the third quarter at football games and women’s basketball games, and in the second half under 12-minute timeout at men’s basketball games.
In addition, the department has decided on a two-alcoholic-beverage limit and a valid I.D. will be required for purchase.
Alcohol sales will be handled by a licensed vendor that will be charged with enforcing state laws and university policies.
