Beer Availability At Illinois Basketball Games

Beer lovers in Illinois have a lot to cheer about! The state has a thriving craft beer scene, with over 300 active breweries as of 2022, and its alcohol laws are relatively relaxed. While the minimum drinking age is 21, Illinois allows the sale of alcohol, including spirits, in grocery stores, and there are no dry counties in the state. This means that beer is widely available at various retailers, including bars, restaurants, package and liquor stores, and breweries and taprooms.

When it comes to buying beer at Illinois basketball games, the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced in 2019 that beer would be sold at Memorial Stadium and the State Farm Center. This was a significant step towards improving fan engagement and enhancing the in-game experience, as surveys indicated that fans wanted the option to purchase beer while watching the games. Since then, other universities across the country have followed suit, with 88% of FBS schools selling alcohol during the 2023 season. So, if you're of legal drinking age and heading to an Illinois basketball game, you can expect to enjoy a cold beer while cheering on your favorite team!

Beer can be purchased at Illinois basketball games

Illinois has a thriving craft beer scene, with over 300 active breweries as of 2022, and is one of the top ten largest beverage alcohol markets in the United States. The state's alcohol laws are regulated by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, which oversees manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers.

While Illinois law permits the sale of beer at sporting events, there are some restrictions in place. For example, only two beers are allowed to be purchased per valid ID, and premium/craft beers are priced at $8, while baseball and softball beer prices range from $5-6.

The decision to sell beer at Illinois basketball games was made to improve fan engagement and enhance the in-game fan experience. Athletic Director Josh Whitman stated that fan surveys indicated that beer sales would encourage ticket purchases and increase the time fans stayed in the stands. Additionally, schools with public beer sales tend to experience fewer alcohol-related issues.

Illinois is not alone in its decision to sell alcohol at sporting events. In 2023, 88% of FBS schools sold alcohol during college football games, and several athletic departments have made the decision to allow anyone in attendance to buy alcoholic beverages.

The legal drinking age in Illinois is 21

The University of Illinois has announced that beer will be sold at Memorial Stadium and the State Farm Center, with Illinois Field and Eichelberger Field expected to follow suit. This is a significant step for the university, and it is expected to bring in revenue. While it is unknown whether this will increase attendance, it is a common solution suggested by many.

Illinois has a population of approximately 12.5 million people, with 9.3 million of them within the legal drinking age bracket of 21 and over. The state is the fifth-largest spirits market in the United States, with sales of over $5 billion. The state has a thriving craft beer scene, innovative distilleries, and award-winning wineries.

Illinois is an open state, meaning private entities handle the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages but are still regulated by state legislators. All businesses that deal with manufacturing, distributing, selling, or importing alcohol in Illinois must be licensed. The Illinois Liquor Control Commission is responsible for licensing, tax collection, auditing, fee collection, and enforcing the state's laws and regulations.

The minimum drinking age in Illinois is 21. This has been the case since 1984, when the minimum drinking age became consistent across the United States. While minors can drink alcohol in the presence of their parents or guardians in a private residence, they are still not allowed to purchase alcohol.

The hours during which alcohol can be purchased in Illinois vary depending on the day of the week and the type of retailer. For example, beer can be purchased from retailers like liquor stores from 7 a.m. until 2 a.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. until 3 a.m. on Saturday, and 8 a.m. until 2 a.m. on Sunday. On the other hand, bars can serve beer from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Sunday.

Illinois alcohol sales hours

The hours during which alcohol can be sold in Illinois vary depending on the day of the week, the type of retailer, and the county.

Monday to Saturday

In Chicago, retailers like liquor stores can sell alcohol from 7 a.m. until 2 a.m. Monday to Friday, and 7 a.m. until 3 a.m. on Saturday. On-premise retailers, such as bars, can sell alcohol from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday to Friday, and 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Saturday.

Sunday

On Sundays, the sale of alcohol is generally prohibited between 2 a.m. and 10 a.m. in most counties. However, there are exceptions, such as in Cook County, where the sale of beer and wine is allowed in grocery stores, convenience stores, and drug stores. In Chicago, off-premise retailers can sell alcohol from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Sundays, while on-premise retailers can sell alcohol from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Extended Hours

Retailers can extend their closing times by two hours if they obtain an extended hours permit. Additionally, in Chicago, businesses with a consumption or tavern license can obtain a Late Hour Liquor License to remain open until 4 a.m. Monday to Saturday, and 5 a.m. on Sunday.

Other Considerations

It's important to note that Illinois law prohibits the sale of alcohol to individuals under the age of 21, and the legal drinking age must be strictly adhered to. Additionally, grocery stores, convenience stores, and other retail outlets are not permitted to sell alcohol on Sundays at all.

Local Variations

Local laws and regulations can vary, so it is always advisable to check with local authorities or specific establishments for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Illinois liquor laws

In Illinois, the sale of alcohol to minors is prohibited, and the minimum drinking age is 21. Minors can, however, drink alcohol in the presence of their parents or guardians in a private residence.

The state also has specific laws regarding the service of alcohol, including a requirement for servers to undergo responsible alcohol service training. Additionally, establishments must display warning signs about the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, and it is illegal for passengers or drivers to possess open containers of alcohol in a vehicle, except in hired passenger vehicles such as limousines or ride-shares.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Illinois temporarily allowed restaurants and bars to provide carryout, curbside pickup, and delivery of mixed drinks and single servings of wine for off-premises consumption. This law was extended until August 1, 2028.

Illinois alcohol delivery services

Alcohol delivery services are available in Illinois, and they can deliver wine, liquor, beer, and more to your door. Minibar Delivery, for example, offers a wide range of alcoholic beverages and promises delivery within 30-60 minutes. Instacart is another option, where you can shop for beer, wine, or liquor using their app or website. They also offer same-day delivery and will check your ID upon delivery.

If you're looking for a more upscale selection, Saucy offers a range of craft beverages, including Japanese whiskey and vintage champagne. For those who appreciate supporting local businesses, Foxtrot, a Chicago-born company, delivers alcohol and snacks with locations in West Loop, Lincoln Park, River North, and beyond.

Other options for alcohol delivery in Illinois include Postmates, Amazon Prime Now, Drizly, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. Each of these services offers its own unique features, such as a wide variety of options or the ability to add on to food orders.

Frequently asked questions