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

Alcohol is available for purchase at the Ohio Stadium, with spirits, beer, and wine being served in specific sections. This is an extension of a pilot program that began in 2015, where alcohol was available for purchase by fans in the suite and club levels of the stadium. The revenue from alcohol sales helps fund new positions in the Ohio State police department and alcohol research conducted by the Ohio State University Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Drug Misuse Prevention and Recovery.

Beer and wine are sold at the Jerome Schottenstein Center

Alcohol is available for purchase at the Ohio Stadium during football games. Beer and wine are sold, but only in certain seating areas. Those watching the football games from the stadium's suites and club seats can buy alcoholic beverages.

Alcoholic beverages are also available at the Jerome Schottenstein Center, where Ohio State has sold alcohol in club seats at men's and women's basketball games and hockey games since the venue opened in 1998. Beer and wine are available to visitors beyond the club level, with fans able to purchase drinks on the entry and terrace levels of the arena.

The sale of alcohol at sports events is a contentious issue, with binge drinking a severe problem on college campuses and among adults aged 18-34 in the United States. However, when Ohio State began selling alcohol stadium-wide, incidents at the stadium decreased, at least temporarily. The university also uses some of the revenue from alcohol sales to fund research into alcohol misuse prevention and recovery.

Alcohol sales at football games are a pilot program

Alcohol sales at college football games are now a common occurrence, with 80% of Power Five schools selling alcohol at games. This shift has been driven by universities' desire to "bring in more revenue and attract fans into the venues".

The University of Georgia, for example, piloted a program to sell alcohol in Stanford Stadium for the first time during the 2019 football season. The program was limited to a specific area on the club level, considered a "premium seating" area with controlled access, and only available to a certain level of donor.

Ohio State University also began selling alcohol at football games, initially offering alcohol only to those of appropriate status before expanding sales to the general public. The university discovered that stadium incidents decreased in the first year of alcohol sales but have since been on a slight uptick.

The impact of alcohol sales at college football games is mixed. On the one hand, universities have seen increased revenue and a decrease in stadium incidents. On the other hand, there are concerns about binge drinking, health, and liability, especially given the increase in alcohol-related incidents at Ohio State since the implementation of alcohol sales.

Overall, the decision to sell alcohol at college football games is a complex one, weighing the potential financial benefits against the risks associated with alcohol consumption. Universities must also consider the effectiveness of alcohol control policies and practices to ensure responsible drinking and the safety of fans.

Alcohol sales have led to a decrease in stadium incidents

Alcohol sales at Ohio Stadium have led to a decrease in stadium incidents, according to reports. The Department of Public Safety recorded a decrease in arrests and ejections in 2016, when alcohol sales were made available to all fans, compared to 2015, when alcohol was sold exclusively to fans at the suite and club level. This decrease in incidents could be attributed to several factors.

Firstly, the opportunity to purchase alcohol inside the stadium may have reduced the amount of alcohol consumed outside the stadium and brought into the stadium illegally. Fans may be less inclined to engage in binge drinking before the game if they know they can purchase alcohol once inside. This theory is supported by a study conducted at a large Midwestern university, which found a decrease in alcohol-related EMS calls and ED visits on home game days after the introduction of in-stadium alcohol sales. The study suggested that fans may have drank less at tailgate parties knowing they could continue drinking once the game started.

Additionally, the no-bag policy implemented by the stadium may have also played a role in reducing the amount of alcohol brought into the stadium. This policy makes it harder for fans to bring in large quantities of alcohol, potentially reducing excessive drinking and related incidents.

While there has been a slight uptick in alcohol-related incidents overall since Ohio Stadium started selling alcohol, the data suggests that making alcohol available for purchase inside the stadium has the potential to reduce incidents. This is likely due to a combination of factors, including the moderation of alcohol consumption and the reduction of illegal alcohol brought into the stadium.

Furthermore, the financial benefits of alcohol sales cannot be ignored. Ohio State has made millions in revenue from alcohol sales, which has become an embedded part of the bottom line for the athletic department. This additional revenue stream can be used to improve facilities and enhance the game-day experience for fans.

In conclusion, while there may be valid concerns about alcohol sales in stadiums leading to increased incidents, the experience at Ohio Stadium and similar venues suggests that it can lead to a decrease in incidents. A careful balance between providing a moderate amount of alcohol and ensuring fan safety is key to the successful implementation of alcohol sales during games.

Beer sales fund two new full-time positions in the Ohio State police department

In addition to funding the new police positions, $50,000 of the revenue generated from beer sales was allocated to support research conducted by the Ohio State University Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Drug Misuse Prevention and Recovery. This research aimed to study how alcohol is consumed and its effects on event culture, with the ultimate goal of enhancing prevention efforts.

The introduction of beer sales at Ohio Stadium was part of a larger trend among universities across the country, including Texas, West Virginia, Minnesota, and Louisville, to sell alcohol at football games. While some people expressed concerns about the potential for increased alcohol-related incidents, Ohio State reported a decrease in stadium incidents during the 2016 season when alcohol sales were expanded stadium-wide.

The decision to sell beer stadium-wide was also influenced by the university's no-bag policy, which limited the amount of alcohol that could be brought into the stadium. This policy change was implemented to enhance safety and expedite the process of getting fans into the stadium.

Today, Ohio Stadium continues to sell beer and other alcoholic beverages, such as spirits and craft beers, at various locations throughout the stadium. The revenue generated from these sales continues to support various initiatives, including law enforcement and research, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for fans.

Local craft beers are featured in sections 7A, 18A, 14B, 9C, and 20C

If you're heading to Ohio Stadium to watch a game, you may be wondering where you can purchase some refreshments. Well, wonder no more! Local craft beers are available in sections 7A, 18A, 14B, 9C, and 20C. So, if you're a craft beer enthusiast, make your way to one of these sections to sample some local brews.

Ohio Stadium, located in Columbus, Ohio, is home to the Ohio State Buckeye football team. The stadium has a capacity of over 100,000 spectators and offers a range of food and beverage options to enhance the game-day experience. In recent years, the stadium has introduced a variety of craft beers to its concessions, showcasing the diverse and delicious offerings of local breweries.

Craft beer has been gaining popularity worldwide, with microbreweries popping up in various countries. In the United States, craft brewing has seen significant growth, and it's no different in Ohio. The local craft beers featured at the stadium showcase the talent and creativity of Ohio's brewing community.

So, what can you expect to find at these designated craft beer sections? Well, the specific beer offerings may vary, but you can typically find a range of styles, including IPAs, stouts, ales, and lagers. These beers are crafted with care and attention to detail, using high-quality ingredients. Whether you're a seasoned craft beer aficionado or a curious newcomer, you're sure to find something to tickle your taste buds.

Remember to drink responsibly and enjoy the game! The stadium wants to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience, so please follow any posted guidelines and consume alcohol in moderation.

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