The University of Kansas has decided not to sell beer and wine at basketball games at Allen Fieldhouse.
KU Athletics released a letter to season tickets, as well as a press release, explaining that “alcohol sales will not be available in public spaces throughout the iconic venue this season.”
The decision differs from KU’s current policy for football games at Memorial Stadium, where alcohol is available.
“Since 1955, the Jayhawks have called Allen Fieldhouse home and created the best home-court advantage in all of college basketball,” KU athletic director Jeff Long told The Kansas City Star. “While the sale of beer and wine has been a success at other athletic venues, this is not the time to add that to the seating area of Allen Fieldhouse. We arrived at this decision after a tremendous amount of research and feedback from our fans as well as reviewing the space feasibility. The atmosphere inside Allen Fieldhouse is second to none, so preserving that will always be of the highest priority.”
KU head basketball coach Bill Self agreed.
“I know Jeff and his team did a great job researching the positives and negatives of alcohol sales in Allen Fieldhouse, and I like where we are headed,” Self said. “We have the greatest fans in America and the best setting and traditions in all of basketball.”