Beaver Stadium Beer Buying: What's The Deal?

Beaver Stadium, home to the Penn State Nittany Lions, has recently expanded its alcohol sales to include beer for the general public. The stadium previously only served alcohol in its club sections and suites. The new policy was first implemented on October 1, 2022, during the Penn State-Northwestern game, and allows fans of legal drinking age to purchase and consume beer within the stadium. The introduction of beer sales at Beaver Stadium is part of an effort to enhance the fan experience and atmosphere during game days, with the revenue generated from alcohol sales being directed towards maintenance projects for the stadium.

Beer sales at Beaver Stadium began in 2022

The first game to feature beer sales was the October 1, 2022, game against Northwestern. Fans could buy beer at 32 locations on the field, concourse, and club levels stadium-wide, except near the student section. Beer was sold in 16-ounce cans, with a limit of two cans per purchase, and sales ended at the conclusion of the third quarter. Domestic beers cost $10, while specialty selections were priced at $12.

To purchase alcohol, fans aged 21 and older were required to scan their IDs and wear wristbands to prove their age. The introduction of beer sales at Beaver Stadium was part of an effort to improve the game-day experience for fans and enhance the fan experience and gameday atmosphere. The university also intended to use the revenue from alcohol sales to fund deferred maintenance projects at the stadium.

The change brought Beaver Stadium in line with other universities that had already implemented controlled alcohol sales, which contributed to a decrease in alcohol-related incidents. For example, the University of Texas reported an 87% reduction in alcohol-related incidents after introducing alcohol sales, while Maryland reported a 71% decrease in its first year.

Beer is available at 32 locations, except near the student section

Beer is now available at Beaver Stadium, marking the first time in the stadium's history that beer has been sold to the general public during football games. Fans can purchase beer at 32 locations across the field, concourse, and club levels stadium-wide, except near the student section at the south end.

Each of the 32 beer locations will have multiple points of sale, with a total of 90 points of sale across the stadium. These include 15 field-level beer stations, 13 concourse-level stations, and a variety of portable locations and "hawkers". Beer service areas are mostly separate from other concession stands.

To purchase alcohol, fans aged 21 and older will need to show and scan an ID to receive a wristband. They can then purchase up to two 16-ounce cans at a time before the end of the third quarter. All sales will be cashless, and alcohol is not permitted to leave the stadium. Domestic beers will cost $10, while specialty selections will cost $12 each.

The introduction of beer sales at Beaver Stadium is part of an effort to improve the game-day experience for fans and enhance the fan experience and gameday atmosphere. The university expects to lose money in the first year due to one-time startup costs, but sales at other universities have typically brought in hundreds of thousands of dollars. Additionally, studies have shown that controlled alcohol sales contribute to a decrease in alcohol-related incidents.

Fans can buy two 16-ounce cans at a time for \$10-\$12

Fans can buy beer at Beaver Stadium, with beer sales opening for the first time in the stadium's history on 1 October 2022. Fans can buy two 16-ounce cans at a time for \$10-\$12. Domestic beers are \$10, while specialty selections are \$12 each. On 1 October, the stands offered Miller Lite, Coors Lite, Michelob Ultra, Blue Moon, and Yuengling. However, the offerings may change throughout the season.

To purchase alcohol, fans must be 21 or older and will need to show and scan an ID to receive a wristband. The wristband confirms to stadium officials that the fan is of age to purchase and consume an alcoholic beverage. Beer can be purchased at 32 locations on the field, concourse, and club levels stadium-wide, except near the student section at the south end. Each beer location will have multiple points of sale, with a total of 90. Beer service areas are mostly separate from other concession stands.

All alcohol sales will come through cashless transactions, although LionCash+ and student meal points will not be accepted. Sales will end at the conclusion of the third quarter, and alcohol is not permitted to leave the stadium.

Wristbands are required to prove age and allow purchase

Wristbands are an essential part of the process for purchasing beer at Beaver Stadium. The wristbands serve as proof of age, allowing patrons to purchase alcoholic beverages within the stadium premises. Here's a detailed overview of the wristband system and its role in the beer-purchasing process:

Obtaining the Wristband:

To obtain a wristband, patrons must visit designated stations and present a valid ID that confirms they are of legal drinking age, which is 21 years or older. The ID will be scanned to verify its authenticity and the patron's age. This step ensures that only those who are legally permitted to consume alcohol will be served.

Wristband as Age Verification:

The wristband acts as a visual indicator to stadium officials and staff that the wearer is of legal drinking age. This makes it easier for officials to monitor and control alcohol sales within the stadium. It streamlines the purchasing process, as patrons don't need to present their ID multiple times when buying drinks from different concession stands.

Purchasing Beer with the Wristband:

Once patrons have obtained their wristbands, they can proceed to any of the designated beer-selling locations within the stadium. The wristband grants them access to purchase alcoholic beverages. Patrons can buy up to two 16-ounce cans of beer per transaction, and the beer options include domestic and specialty selections. It's important to note that alcohol sales will only be available until the end of the third quarter of the game, and prices are set at $10 for domestic beers and $12 for specialty beers.

Mobility within the Stadium:

The wristband system allows patrons to move freely within the stadium while enjoying their beverages. They can purchase beer from various locations, including field-level, concourse-level, and portable stations, ensuring convenient access to alcoholic drinks. However, it is important to note that alcohol is not permitted to leave the stadium premises.

Benefits of the Wristband System:

The wristband requirement at Beaver Stadium provides several advantages. Firstly, it enhances the efficiency of the purchasing process, as patrons don't need to present their IDs multiple times. Secondly, it helps ensure that alcohol is only served to those of legal drinking age, promoting responsible drinking and reducing the risk of underage drinking. Lastly, the wristband system contributes to a safer environment within the stadium, as it allows officials to easily identify patrons who are legally consuming alcohol.

Alcohol sales at Beaver Stadium are cashless

Beer sales at Beaver Stadium have been expanded to include the general public, not just those in the club sections. This means that fans can now purchase beer at 32 locations across the stadium, including the field, concourse, and club levels. However, alcohol sales will not be available near the student section.

To purchase alcohol, fans must be 21 or older and will need to scan their ID to obtain a wristband. This wristband proves that the wearer is of legal drinking age and allows them to buy up to two 16-ounce cans of beer per transaction. Beer prices are set at $10 for domestic brands and $12 for specialty brands, and all alcohol sales will be cashless transactions. It's important to note that alcohol is not permitted to leave the stadium.

The decision to sell beer at Beaver Stadium was made to improve the fan experience and enhance the game-day atmosphere. Penn State has also stated that revenue from alcohol sales will be used to fund maintenance projects at the stadium.

The process of buying a beer at Beaver Stadium is quick and efficient, taking less than 30 seconds. The grab-and-go stations help to avoid lines, and the wristband system ensures that fans don't have to show their IDs multiple times when purchasing alcohol. Overall, the implementation of beer sales at Beaver Stadium has been well-received, with fans enjoying the convenience and accessibility of being able to purchase a beverage while cheering on their favorite team.

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