Iowa State University will join an ever-expanding roster of athletics departments that make alcohol available to fans in on-campus sports venues, the school announced Tuesday.
As reported by the Des Moines Register, ISU will serve beer, wine and prepackaged cocktails during football games at Jack Trice Stadium and basketball games at Hilton Coliseum starting in the upcoming school year.
The following parameters will apply:
- Guests in attendance must be 21 years of age or older to purchase alcoholic drinks and must provide sufficient identification at the time of purchase.
- Fans will be limited to purchasing two alcoholic beverages per sale transaction.
- Fans will no longer be allowed to leave and re-enter Jack Trice Stadium at any point of a football game.
- No in-seat vendors will sell alcohol.
- Alcohol will not be permitted on the grass hillsides (the junior Cyclone Club areas) at Jack Trice Stadium.
- There will be designated stop times for the sale of alcohol during games.
Current fan alcohol policies at the Jack Trice Club, Sukup Endzone Club, suites, Johnny's, Champion's Club and other hospitality areas remain unchanged, according to the Register.
Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase in the north and south expanded gate areas, and the north and south concourses. They will not be sold at the permanent concessions stands located on the east and west concourses to prevent fan congestion. However, there will be a limited number of portable concessions locations on the east and west concourses.
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"As many of you know, we are living in one of the most transformational periods in the history of college athletics," ISU director of athletics Jamie Pollard said in a letter to fans Monday. "University athletic departments across the country are facing uncertainty and significant financial pressures from rapidly increasing costs.
"Iowa State is not immune to the challenges or to the financial strain. Over the past year, we have worked closely with university leadership to identify new cost containment measures and increased revenue streams through ticket sales and donations, sponsorship and licensing, and new opportunities to host events in our athletic facilities (concerts, state high school championships, etc.).
"Additionally, we have studied and analyzed the prospect of alcohol sales at Jack Trice Stadium and Hilton Coliseum during athletic events. Many of our peers have successfully taken this step. We are confident that we can initiate the sale of alcohol throughout our facilities and ensure a positive and safe environment for all of our guests."
According to Pollard, a portion of the net proceeds from the sale of all alcoholic beverages will support alcohol education, student wellness programming and public safety enhancements "to support a safe and welcoming community."
