Buying Beer At Cal Memorial: What You Need To Know

Starting with the 2019-2020 season, beer and wine have been available for sale at Cal's Memorial Stadium. Fans above the age of 21 can buy beer and wine at eight stand-alone locations inside the stadium. Wristbands are issued to patrons who show a valid ID at kiosks inside Memorial Stadium to allow them to purchase, possess, or consume alcohol. The inaugural lineup of 14 beers includes a mix of California microbrews, specialty beers, and national/global favorites.

Beer and wine will be sold at Cal Memorial Stadium

To buy alcohol, fans will first need to obtain a wristband by showing a valid ID at a kiosk inside the stadium. This will allow them to "purchase, possess, or consume" alcohol. Sales of beer and wine will continue until the beginning of the third quarter. It's important to note that alcoholic drinks will not be allowed in the stadium's student section or in Section W, a designated family seating area.

The decision to sell beer and wine inside Cal Memorial Stadium was made after considering feedback from fans who do not have access to premium seating areas, where alcohol sales have been permitted since 2012. University officials also consulted with other universities to identify best practices and noted that selling beer and wine inside stadiums can help reduce binge drinking at tailgates.

The inaugural lineup of beers includes a mix of California microbrews, specialty beers, and national/global favorites. Some of the beers on offer are Trumer Pils, Calicraft's The City, Firestone Walker Brewing's 805 blonde ale, and Bud Light, among others.

While the sale of alcohol in the stadium is expected to enhance the fan experience and create a more enjoyable atmosphere, university officials have stated that they will "not hesitate to make appropriate adjustments" if needed to ensure a safe and family-friendly environment.

Alcohol sales will be restricted to eight stand-alone locations

The eight stand-alone locations will offer a mix of California microbrews, specialty beers, and national/global favorites. The selection may vary from game to game. Beer and wine will not be allowed in the student section and the family section. Sales will end at the beginning of the third quarter, and university officials plan to monitor the impact of alcohol sales to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all fans.

This new policy aligns with the practices of five other Pac-12 schools, including the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, the University of Colorado, the University of Oregon, and Oregon State University. Additionally, Cal Athletics has joined forces with the Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management Coalition to implement and enforce responsible alcohol policies through a training program.

While this decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising the enhanced fan experience and others expressing concerns about alcohol-related problems on campus, university officials have stated that they will closely monitor the situation and make adjustments if needed.

Wristbands will be given to those who show a valid ID

• Check-In at Kiosks: Before you can purchase any alcoholic beverages, you'll need to visit one of the designated kiosks located inside Memorial Stadium. At the kiosk, you'll be asked to present your ID to verify your age. Make sure to carry a valid, government-issued ID that includes your date of birth and a photo.
• Wristband Issuance: Once your age has been verified and the staff is satisfied that you are of legal drinking age, you will be given a wristband. This wristband serves as a visual indicator to staff and vendors that you are permitted to purchase, possess, or consume alcohol within the stadium.
• Purchasing Alcohol: With your wristband on, you can now head to one of the designated alcohol sales stands. There are eight stand-alone locations inside the stadium where you can purchase beer and wine. Please note that alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the student section or the designated family seating areas.
• Alcohol Consumption: Enjoy your beverage of choice responsibly within the designated areas of the stadium. It's important to drink in moderation and be mindful of your surroundings, especially in a crowded stadium environment. Always follow the instructions and guidelines provided by the stadium staff and security personnel.
• Time Restrictions: It's important to note that alcohol sales will typically end at the beginning of the third quarter of the game. Plan your purchases accordingly, and remember that the university reserves the right to adjust these timings if needed.
• Safety and Responsibility: The university takes the safety and well-being of its fans seriously. They have implemented these policies in consultation with various experts and organizations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Please drink responsibly and be considerate of those around you, especially families and younger fans.

By following these steps and showing a valid ID, you can obtain a wristband and responsibly enjoy alcoholic beverages at Cal Memorial Stadium during the designated times. Remember to stay hydrated, alternate alcoholic drinks with water, and never drink and drive.

Sales will end at the beginning of the third quarter

Beer and wine are available for sale at Cal's Memorial Stadium, but sales will end at the beginning of the third quarter. This policy was implemented starting with the 2019-2020 season.

To purchase alcohol, fans will need to obtain a wristband by showing a valid ID at one of the kiosks inside the stadium. Alcohol can then be bought at one of the eight stands located throughout the stadium. However, it is important to note that alcohol is not allowed in the student section or the designated family seating area.

The decision to allow alcohol sales inside the stadium was made after considering feedback from fans who did not have access to premium seating areas where alcohol was previously available. University officials also consulted with other universities and noted that beer and wine sales could help reduce binge drinking at tailgates.

While the new policy has been met with mixed reactions, the university has stated that it will "not hesitate to make appropriate adjustments if needed."

Alcohol won't be allowed in the student or family sections

Alcohol will not be allowed in the student or family sections at Cal Memorial Stadium. While beer and wine will be sold at eight locations inside the stadium, these beverages will not be permitted in the student section or in Section W, a designated family-seating area. This restriction applies even to students who are over the age of 21.

To purchase alcohol, fans must first obtain a wristband by presenting a valid ID at a kiosk inside the stadium. Alcohol sales will end at the beginning of the third quarter, and Cal Athletics has stated that they will closely monitor the impact of alcohol sales to ensure that the games remain safe and family-friendly.

The decision to allow alcohol sales inside the stadium has been met with mixed reactions. Some believe that it will enhance the fan experience and reduce alcohol-related incidents and binge drinking at tailgates. However, others have expressed concern about the message it sends to young people and the potential impact on students with alcohol-related problems.

While the sale of alcohol may generate additional revenue for the football team, the primary objective, according to Cal Athletics, is to create a safe and enjoyable experience for all fans while maintaining a family-friendly environment. They have stated that they will not hesitate to make adjustments to the policy if needed.

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