Buying Beer At Allen Fieldhouse: What You Need To Know

The University of Kansas has decided against selling beer and wine at basketball games at Allen Fieldhouse. KU Athletics explained in a letter to season ticket holders that alcohol sales will not be available in public spaces throughout the iconic venue this season. This decision differs from KU's policy for football games, where alcohol is available. The university considered the unique atmosphere of Allen Fieldhouse, which is known for its intimate setting and passionate fans, in making its decision. While alcohol won't be available to the general public, it will continue to be served in private spaces throughout the arena for donors and members of exclusive clubs.

Alcohol is available to donors and members in private areas

The University of Kansas Athletics Department released a letter to season ticket holders, explaining that "alcohol sales will not be available in public spaces throughout the iconic venue this season." KU Athletic Director Jeff Long stated that the decision was made after a significant amount of research and feedback from fans, as well as a review of space feasibility. Long emphasized that preserving the atmosphere inside Allen Fieldhouse is of the highest priority.

The decision not to sell alcohol in public spaces at Allen Fieldhouse differs from KU's policy for football games at Memorial Stadium, where alcohol is available to the public. The introduction of alcohol sales at football games has been well-received by fans and has had a positive impact on revenue and attendance. However, KU has no plans to expand beer and wine sales to basketball games at Allen Fieldhouse, as they want to maintain the special environment and game-day experience that the venue offers.

While alcohol is not available to the general public at Allen Fieldhouse, it is accessible to donors and members in private areas, ensuring that those who wish to enjoy a drink during basketball games can do so in a more exclusive setting.

Beer and wine are not sold in the seating area

KU Athletics' decision was based on extensive research and fan feedback, as well as space feasibility considerations. The organisation aims to preserve the atmosphere and home-court advantage that have been cultivated since 1955. The KU coach expressed agreement with the decision, citing the positive direction in which the organisation is headed.

While beer and wine are unavailable for purchase by the general public at basketball games, they are offered to KU's Williams Fund members in private areas around the fieldhouse on basketball game days. Alcoholic beverages are also served to donors at various levels in existing private club spaces, such as the Naismith Room, the donor atrium, and the DeBruce Centre.

The University of Kansas does sell beer and wine at football games held at Memorial Stadium, marking a difference in policy between football and basketball games. This decision was influenced by the success of alcohol sales at other athletic venues and the desire to enhance the fan experience.

Beer and wine are sold at KU football games

KU Athletics Director Jeff Long said that the decision was made after "a tremendous amount of research and feedback from our fans as well as reviewing the space feasibility." He added that preserving the atmosphere inside Allen Fieldhouse, which has been home to the Jayhawks since 1955, was of the highest priority. KU head basketball coach Bill Self agreed with the decision, stating that the university has "the greatest fans in America and the best setting and traditions in all of basketball."

While beer and wine are not available to the general public at Allen Fieldhouse, they are offered to KU's Williams Fund members in private areas in and around the venue on basketball game days. These include existing private club spaces such as the Naismith Room, the donor atrium, and the DeBruce Center.

In contrast, KU football games at Memorial Stadium have allowed alcohol sales since 2019. The introduction of widely available alcoholic beverages was well-received by fans, with KU Athletic Director Jeff Long stating that "fans have told us that one of the best ways to enhance their experience at Kansas Athletics events is for them to have the ability to enjoy beer and wine."

The decision to sell beer and wine at KU football games was made after consulting various campus leaders, including representatives from the offices of the provost, public safety, student affairs, administration and finance, faculty development, compliance, public affairs, human resources, general counsel, and athletics. The move brought KU in line with several other Big 12 schools, including Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, West Virginia, Texas, and Texas Tech, which already allowed alcohol sales at football games.

The decision was made after research and fan feedback

The University of Kansas has decided not to sell beer and wine to the general public at basketball games at Allen Fieldhouse for the 2019-2020 season. The decision was made after research and fan feedback.

KU Athletics explained in a letter to season ticket holders and a press release:

> Alcohol sales will not be available in public spaces throughout the iconic venue this season.

KU athletic director Jeff Long told The Kansas City Star:

> Since 1955, the Jayhawks have called Allen Fieldhouse home and created the best home-court advantage in all of college basketball. 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 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. We have the greatest fans in America and the best setting and traditions in all of basketball.

Alcohol will continue to be served to KU's Williams Fund members in private areas in and around Allen Fieldhouse on basketball game days.

Beer and wine will also continue to be available in selected private spaces in the fieldhouse, such as the Naismith Room and donor atrium, and in the DeBruce Center to donors at the All-American through Hall of Fame levels.

The decision not to sell beer and wine in the seating area of Allen Fieldhouse differs from KU's current policy for football games at Memorial Stadium, where alcohol is available to the general public. It also differs from the policies of other universities, such as Kansas State University and the University of Missouri, which have started selling beer and wine at basketball games.

KU's decision to abstain from alcohol sales at Allen Fieldhouse was made after careful consideration of fan feedback and research, with the goal of preserving the unique atmosphere and home-court advantage that the university has cultivated since 1955.

Beer and wine are available at other college basketball venues

Beer and wine are not available for purchase by the general public at Allen Fieldhouse, the home of the University of Kansas' Jayhawks basketball team. However, alcohol is available to KU's Williams Fund members in private areas in and around the venue on basketball game days.

While you can't buy beer or wine at Allen Fieldhouse, other college basketball venues have introduced alcohol sales. The NCAA previously banned alcohol sales at championship events until 2018, but now it is generally up to the venue to decide whether to sell alcohol.

Syracuse University, for example, has sold beer in the dome for a long time. A Reddit user also confirmed that they bought beer at Viejas Arena in San Diego for an NCAA tournament game. Additionally, Hinkle and Lucas Oil stadiums also sell beer.

Alcohol sales at college sporting events have become a way for schools to "bring in more revenue and attract fans into the venues." The University of North Carolina, for example, made about $4 million in alcohol sales during the 2022-23 athletic year.

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