Buying Beer At Michigan Stadium: What's The Deal?

As of 2024, it is still unclear whether beer will be sold at Michigan Stadium, home of the University of Michigan Wolverines. In 2023, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill allowing alcohol sales at the state's 15 public universities' football, hockey, and basketball games. However, the decision to sell alcohol ultimately lies with each university's governing board. While some universities in Michigan, such as Michigan State, Western Michigan, and Grand Valley State, have already started selling alcohol at sporting events, the University of Michigan has yet to make a decision regarding alcohol sales at football games. The university is seeking community input and conducting surveys before making a final decision.

Michigan Stadium's alcohol sales are yet to be decided

The sale of alcohol at college football games has become the norm, with 55 out of 69 Power Five conference schools and Notre Dame selling alcohol in the public areas of their stadiums on game days, according to an AP survey. Michigan State University, which falls under the Big Ten conference, started selling alcoholic beverages at the stadium this fall.

The new law, which was signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, allows for licensing at all Michigan public universities to sell alcohol at sporting events. This move potentially opens the door for legal, in-stadium drinking by tens of thousands of already enthusiastic fans. The law also aims to reduce binge drinking before games and bring in more revenue to improve the student experience.

While some people are excited about the change, others have expressed concerns. Some believe that the stadium experience should remain collegiate and unique from professional sports experiences, which typically involve alcohol sales. There are also worries about the safety and security implications of alcohol sales in a stadium with over 100,000 fans.

The University of Michigan is seeking input from the community and conducting surveys to gather feedback on the potential sale of alcohol at Michigan Stadium. The university is considering the potential impact on the fan experience and the safety and security measures that would need to be implemented. The decision to sell alcohol at football games has not yet been made, and the university is taking a cautious approach to implement this change.

Michigan State University already sells alcohol at sporting events

Michigan State University has been selling alcohol in Spartan Stadium suites to suiteholders, but it has not been available to the general public. However, in 2023, the Michigan State University Board of Trustees approved the sale of alcohol at sporting events. This includes several venues: Spartan Stadium, Breslin Student Events Center, Munn Ice Arena, Old College Field (Demartin Soccer Stadium), Secchia Stadium, and McLane Baseball Stadium.

The decision to start selling alcohol at sporting events came after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation in July 2023, lifting the state's ban on alcohol sales at college sporting events. The university has to apply for liquor licenses, and the first beers could be poured as soon as the third week of the season.

The University's interim president, Teresa Woodruff, stated that data from other Big Ten schools showed a reduction in alcohol-related incidents and arrests after the sale of alcohol was implemented. For example, the University of Iowa saw a 50% reduction in arrests, and Penn State experienced an 87% reduction in alcohol-related incidents. Vice President of Student Life and Engagement, Vennie Gore, said that data from police and public safety departments at other Big Ten institutions showed no increase in alcohol-related incidents when guests were allowed to purchase alcohol during athletic events.

The University of Michigan, on the other hand, has not decided whether to allow alcohol sales during sporting events. A spokesperson for the university stated that campus leaders are still discussing the legislation and have not made a decision.

The new law allows for licensing to sell alcohol at select games

The new law, Senate Bill 247, allows for the licensing of all Michigan public universities to sell alcohol at select games. This includes Michigan's 15 public universities' football, hockey, and basketball games. The bill was introduced by state Sen. Sean McCann and signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in July 2024. It permits alcohol sales an hour before kickoff, tip-off, and puck drop, ending with the game.

This change in legislation has the potential to significantly impact the game-day experience and revenue for universities. Supporters of the bill argue that it will bring Michigan's public universities in line with their counterparts, reduce binge drinking before games, and increase revenue. Gov. Whitmer stated that the new law will "make fall evenings at Spartan Stadium or the Big House safer and more fun."

However, there are mixed reactions to the new law. Some people, like Michelle Hodges, a graduate of Michigan State University, are excited about the change and believe it will enhance the fan experience. On the other hand, universities will now have to navigate safety and security considerations, and there are concerns about the potential for increased drunkenness and disorderly conduct.

While the new law allows for licensing to sell alcohol, the decision to do so ultimately lies with each university. As of November 2024, Michigan State University has started selling alcoholic beverages at its stadium, while the University of Michigan is still considering community input and conducting surveys before making a decision.

Pros and cons of selling alcohol at Michigan Stadium

Pros

• It could bring in a lot more revenue.
• It could reduce the likelihood of binge drinking before games.
• It could lead to a decrease in binge drinking before fans get into the stadium.
• It could reduce the number of alcohol-related emergency service calls on game days.
• It could improve the student experience.
• It could make the stadium experience safer and more fun.
• It is already allowed at other universities, so it could bring Michigan on equal footing with them.

Cons

• It could lead to increased drunkenness and intoxication among fans.
• It could lead to more arrests, assaults, ejections, and referrals to the Judicial Affairs Office.
• It could increase alcohol-related emergency room visits.
• It could lead to longer lines and more congestion in the stadium.
• It could be unsafe for the already large number of students who attend the games.
• It could change the collegiate atmosphere of the stadium.
• It could be difficult to implement and require additional staffing and security.

The University of Michigan is applying for liquor licenses

The move comes after Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation in July 2024, lifting the state's ban on alcohol sales at college sporting events. The new law allows for licensing at all Michigan public universities to sell alcohol at sporting events, including football, hockey, and basketball games. The law is expected to take effect on January 1, 2024.

The University of Michigan's decision to apply for liquor licenses is driven by several factors. One factor is the potential increase in revenue from alcohol sales, which could bring "in a heck of a lot more revenue," as stated by Governor Whitmer. Additionally, the university may be aiming to enhance the fan experience and create a robust fan experience comparable to that of other universities and professional sports venues.

However, the decision to sell alcohol at sporting events has sparked mixed reactions. Some people argue that alcohol sales can lead to increased aggression and violence, especially in a highly charged environment like a football stadium. Others believe that allowing alcohol sales gives people the choice to drink responsibly and that it is already common at most other stadiums. The university is seeking community input through surveys and discussions to ensure a safe implementation of alcohol sales.

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