Buying Beer At Auburn Football Games: What's The Deal?

As of November 2023, Auburn University has started selling alcohol at basketball games, making it the last SEC school to implement public alcohol sales at athletic events. However, alcohol sales are currently limited to the Neville Arena, with plans to expand to Jordan-Hare Stadium in future seasons. While Auburn has allowed alcohol sales in premium seating and luxury suites, the sale of alcohol to the general public at football games in Jordan-Hare Stadium is not expected to happen in the near future.

Alcohol is sold at Auburn basketball games

The decision to sell alcohol at Auburn basketball games is part of a gradual rollout of alcohol sales at Auburn athletic events. Auburn is the final SEC school to offer alcohol sales at athletic events, with 84% of all Power Five schools already having public offerings. The school's statement regarding the decision noted that multiple studies show that selling alcohol at athletic venues decreases binge drinking and creates a culture with fewer alcohol-related offenses on game day.

Alcohol sales at Auburn basketball games are currently limited to Neville Arena, with seven concession stands selling food and alcohol, including grab-and-go refrigerator stations. The school is offering a range of alcoholic beverages, including regular domestic and import beers, four craft beers, selzters, and canned wine.

It is important to note that alcohol is not permitted at Jordan-Hare Stadium, and those appearing intoxicated or in possession of alcoholic beverages will be denied entry or ejected from the facility. Auburn officials have stated that they plan to roll out alcohol sales at Jordan-Hare Stadium in future seasons.

Jordan-Hare Stadium does not sell alcohol

Jordan-Hare Stadium, home to the Auburn Tigers, does not sell alcohol. The stadium is yet to allow the sale of alcohol to the general public during games, despite the SEC revising its policy in 2019 to permit the sale of beer and wine at designated "stationary locations".

Auburn is the last SEC school to offer alcohol sales at athletic events. While the school has allowed the sale of alcohol in premium seating and luxury suites, it has not yet extended this policy to general-admission seating areas and concourses. Auburn University has stated that any changes in alcohol sales at its athletic facilities would be made through a "thoughtful, deliberative process to consider carefully the impacts on health, safety and the overall fan experience".

The University has also stated that it will be gradually rolling out alcohol sales at other athletic venues throughout the year, with plans to eventually introduce alcohol sales at Jordan-Hare Stadium in future seasons. This decision has been influenced by the fact that 84% of all Power Five schools have public offerings at their venues, as well as studies showing that selling alcohol in athletic venues can decrease binge drinking and create a culture with fewer alcohol-related offences on game day.

Until the new policy is implemented, fans hoping to enjoy a beer during a football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium will have to settle for drinking before entering the stadium or purchasing alcohol at one of the other Auburn athletic venues that permit alcohol sales, such as Neville Arena, Plainsman Park, Jane B. Moore Field, and the Auburn Athletics Complex.

Auburn is the last SEC school to sell alcohol to fans

Auburn University has been the last holdout among SEC schools when it comes to selling alcohol at sports events. In November 2023, the university announced that it would begin selling alcohol at athletic events for the first time in school history, starting with a men's basketball exhibition game against Auburn-Montgomery. The school's athletic director, John Cohen, attributed the decision to a desire to enhance the fan experience and combat the ease of watching games at home, where drinking alcohol is more convenient.

While Auburn had previously resisted selling alcohol to the general public at sporting events, it had permitted alcohol sales in premium seating and luxury suites. The decision to expand alcohol sales to the general public was influenced by a revision in the SEC's policy, which now allows the sale of beer and wine in designated "stationary locations" at SEC venues. Each school has the autonomy to decide whether to adopt this new policy, and Auburn joined the majority of SEC schools in doing so.

The introduction of alcohol sales at Auburn's athletic events has sparked a debate among students and fans. Some argue that it improves the game-day experience and provides a convenient and enjoyable way to socialize and relax. It also eliminates the need to sneak alcohol into the stadium and can potentially reduce binge drinking before the game. From an economic standpoint, alcohol sales can also create significant additional revenue for the school.

However, there are concerns about the potential negative consequences of alcohol sales in the student section. Critics worry that it may lead to increased rowdiness, disruptive behavior, and safety issues. There is also a risk of underage drinking, as some students may be more inclined to try their luck at purchasing alcohol. Despite these concerns, Auburn has decided to move forward with alcohol sales, joining the growing trend of colleges allowing alcohol sales at sporting events.

While Auburn was initially resistant to change, the university ultimately recognized the potential benefits of alcohol sales and chose to prioritize the fan experience. As the last SEC school to implement public alcohol sales, Auburn's decision marked a significant shift in the conference's approach to alcohol policies.

Alcohol sales at stadiums are increasing

Auburn University, for example, recently started selling alcohol at athletic events for the first time in its history. Auburn is the final SEC school to offer alcohol sales at athletic events, with alcohol now available at the Neville Arena for men's basketball games. The school plans to expand alcohol sales to the Jordan-Hare Stadium in future seasons.

The increase in alcohol sales at stadiums can be attributed to various factors, including the desire to increase revenue and attract more fans to the venues. For instance, the University of North Carolina has seen a positive impact on its bottom line, with about $4 million in alcohol sales. Additionally, universities are implementing policies and practices to control and reduce alcohol-related problems at stadiums.

While the financial benefits of alcohol sales are evident, the health consequences remain unclear. Some studies suggest that in-stadium alcohol sales can be introduced without adversely affecting public health, while others indicate that alcohol sales are linked to increased emergency department visits and alcohol-related incidents. The impact of alcohol sales at stadiums is a complex issue that requires further research to understand its full effects.

Alcohol sales decrease binge drinking

In 2023, 88% of the 133 FBS colleges allowed alcohol sales at football games, marking a significant shift from over a decade ago when alcohol sales were rare at college football stadiums. Auburn University, which began selling alcohol at athletic events in November 2023, is the final SEC school to offer alcohol sales at athletic events.

Auburn's decision to sell alcohol at athletic events was informed by multiple studies showing that alcohol sales at athletic venues decrease binge drinking and create a culture with fewer alcohol-related offenses on game day. This is supported by a study of a late-night alcohol sales ban in Germany, which found that the ban reduced alcohol-related hospitalizations among adolescents and young adults by about 7%. The ban also resulted in a decrease in hospitalizations due to violent assault, which is often related to excessive alcohol consumption.

Binge drinking is defined by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) as a pattern of drinking alcohol that brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08% or more. This typically occurs when a woman consumes four or more drinks or a man consumes five or more drinks within about two hours. Binge drinking is a significant public health concern, particularly among young people, as it can lead to various negative outcomes such as crime, risky sexual behavior, suicide, lower academic performance, adverse health effects, and motor vehicle fatalities.

While the sale of alcohol at college football games has been met with some resistance, the trend towards allowing alcohol sales appears to be gaining momentum, with universities citing the potential benefits of reduced binge drinking and related offenses.

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