Noah Vinter
Alcohol sales at college football games have become increasingly common in recent years, with nearly 90% of stadiums selling alcohol. However, there are still some colleges and universities that choose not to sell alcohol during football games, raising the question of why these institutions opt for this approach. This topic explores the reasons behind the absence of alcohol sales at some college football games, examining factors such as institutional policies, state laws, and the potential impact on student welfare and the collegiate atmosphere. By understanding the rationale behind these decisions, we can gain insights into the complexities surrounding alcohol consumption in the context of college sports culture.
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What You'll Learn
- Alcohol sales at college football games have increased in recent years
- Some colleges still choose not to serve alcohol to students
- Conferences leave alcohol sales decisions to individual schools
- Alcohol sales can increase revenue and attract fans
- Alcohol sales are prohibited at some colleges due to state laws
Alcohol sales at college football games have increased in recent years
Alcohol sales at college football games have been on the rise in recent years, with nearly 90% of stadiums selling alcohol in 2023. This is a significant increase from a decade ago, when alcohol sales were rare and typically restricted to premium seating areas. The biggest jump in alcohol sales occurred in 2019, with 56 FBS schools starting to sell alcohol stadium-wide. Since then, several other schools have followed suit, with 16 additional schools joining in 2023.
The increase in alcohol sales can be attributed to the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) and conferences loosening their rules, allowing universities to sell alcohol to anyone in attendance. This change has provided a new source of revenue for schools and has also attracted fans who may have otherwise stayed home. For example, the University of North Carolina is in its fifth season of selling alcohol and has seen a significant increase in net sales, with alcohol sales contributing about $4 million to their bottom line.
Michigan has also played a significant role in the expansion of alcohol sales at college football games. In July 2023, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation lifting the state's ban on alcohol sales at college sporting events, leading to Michigan State and other universities in the state allowing alcohol sales during games. This move was expected to bring in more revenue and improve the fan experience.
However, not all colleges and universities have embraced alcohol sales at football games. As of 2023, 16 schools do not sell alcohol during football games, including the two-time defending national champions. Some schools prefer not to serve alcohol to youngsters, while others are waiting to see the results of alcohol sales at other sporting events before making a decision. Nonetheless, the overall trend suggests that alcohol sales at college football games will continue to increase in the coming years.
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Some colleges still choose not to serve alcohol to students
While the sale of alcohol at college football games has become increasingly common, with 80% of major college football schools selling alcohol, there are still some colleges that choose not to serve alcohol to students. As of 2023, there are 16 colleges that do not sell alcohol during football games, including the two-time defending national champions.
Some colleges have chosen to restrict alcohol sales to premium seating areas or suites, rather than allowing general sales to all fans. For example, the University of Georgia sells alcohol in premium seating locations but not to general attendees at Sanford Stadium. The University of Michigan is also on this list, opting to wait and see how alcohol sales go at basketball and hockey games before introducing them at football games.
In some cases, colleges may be restricted by state laws that prohibit the sale of alcohol at public athletic collegiate events, such as in Mississippi. Additionally, colleges may have their own alcohol policies that restrict sales during athletic events or on campus. For instance, the University of Virginia's alcohol and drug policy states that alcoholic beverages cannot be sold at any event sponsored by the university or on its property where underage students may be present.
Colleges that choose not to sell alcohol may be concerned about the potential impact on student behaviour and safety, particularly given that many students may be underage. Additionally, some colleges may wish to preserve a unique collegiate atmosphere that is different from professional sports, where alcohol is typically served.
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Conferences leave alcohol sales decisions to individual schools
While the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) has relaxed its rules around alcohol sales, the decision to sell alcohol ultimately falls on the individual schools and their respective conferences.
In 2019, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) allowed schools to sell alcohol, and this decision was followed by other Power Five conferences. Since then, 16 additional schools have started selling alcohol, including Michigan State, Kentucky, and Stanford. However, some schools, such as the University of Michigan, have chosen to wait and see the impact of alcohol sales during basketball and hockey games before making a decision for football games.
Schools that do sell alcohol during football games may have specific policies in place. For example, the University of North Carolina allows alcohol sales, but quadrupled its net sales in the 2022-23 athletic year compared to the previous year. The University of Pittsburgh limits purchases to a maximum of two beers, and its alcohol distributor, Aramark, may stop sales at any time. Syracuse allows alcohol sales to fans in general seating areas, while the University of Virginia prohibits alcohol sales at any event where underage students may be present.
The decision to sell alcohol during college football games is influenced by various factors, including state laws, institutional policies, and the desire to increase revenue and attract fans. While the sale of alcohol has become more common, with up to 88% of schools selling alcohol during the 2023 football season, there are still some notable exceptions, with 16 schools choosing not to sell alcohol during their football games.
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Alcohol sales can increase revenue and attract fans
Alcohol sales at college football games have become a common practice, with nearly 90% of stadiums selling alcohol. This marks a significant shift from over a decade ago when alcohol sales were rare and largely restricted to premium seating areas. The recent increase in alcohol sales can be attributed to relaxed regulations, with the NCAA and conferences allowing universities to make their own decisions regarding alcohol sales.
The primary motivation behind colleges allowing alcohol sales during football games is the potential for increased revenue. Alcohol sales have proven to be lucrative, with the University of North Carolina reporting approximately $4 million in sales over two athletic years. This additional revenue can be particularly beneficial for athletic departments, which often operate at a financial loss.
In addition to generating revenue, alcohol sales can also attract fans who might otherwise stay home. By providing the option to purchase alcoholic beverages inside the stadium, colleges cater to fans who value the convenience and comfort of having a drink while cheering on their team. This can lead to improved fan experience metrics, which are crucial for the success and popularity of college football games.
While the majority of colleges have embraced alcohol sales, there are still a small number of colleges that choose not to sell alcohol. This decision may be influenced by a desire to maintain a unique collegiate atmosphere that differentiates college sports from professional sports, where alcohol sales are commonplace. Additionally, there may be concerns about the potential negative consequences of alcohol consumption, such as increased alcohol-related EMS calls or disturbances during the game.
Overall, the decision to sell alcohol at college football games is driven by the potential financial and fan engagement benefits. Colleges must carefully consider the impact on the overall fan experience and take steps to ensure responsible alcohol service and consumption to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all attendees.
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Alcohol sales are prohibited at some colleges due to state laws
In 2018, a law was passed in North Carolina that permitted alcohol at collegiate games but not in on-campus venues. However, this was challenged in 2019 when the North Carolina House passed a bill allowing alcohol to be sold at athletic events.
In Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation in July 2023 lifting the state's ban on alcohol being sold at college sporting events. This allowed all public universities in the state to sell alcohol at football, hockey, and basketball games.
While the sale of alcohol at college football games is prohibited at some colleges due to state laws, other colleges have chosen not to sell alcohol for other reasons. For example, the University of Michigan has chosen not to sell alcohol at football games to preserve the collegiate atmosphere, which is unique from pro sports where alcohol is always served.
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Frequently asked questions
Alcohol is sold at most college football games. According to an AP survey, 55 out of 69 Power Five conference schools and Notre Dame (80%) now sell alcohol in the public areas of their stadiums on game days.
As of 2023, 16 colleges in the US will not sell alcohol in their stadiums during football games.
Some colleges are hesitant to sell alcohol because they want to preserve the unique collegiate atmosphere.
Yes, some colleges only sell alcohol in premium seating areas or suites, and there may be a limit on the number of drinks purchased.
Yes, the sale of alcohol at college football games has become more common in recent years, with the biggest jump occurring in 2019 when several conferences allowed schools to sell alcohol.
