Beer Availability At Penn State Football Games

Penn State's Beaver Stadium has been a dry venue for most fans for a long time, but that changed in 2022 when the university approved the sale of alcohol to the general public at football games. The decision was made to improve the fan experience and amenities at the historical venue and to increase athletics revenue. The move has proven to be popular with fans, who have welcomed the opportunity to enjoy a beverage while watching a game.

Beer sales at Penn State football games are restricted to those 21 and older

To purchase beer at a Penn State football game, customers must present a government-issued ID, which will be scanned to confirm their age. Customers who are of legal age will then receive a wristband, which they must wear to prove their eligibility to purchase and consume alcohol within the stadium.

The expanded alcohol sales at Beaver Stadium were approved by the Penn State Board of Trustees in September 2022, with the matchup against Northwestern on October 1, 2022, serving as the test run. The decision was made to enhance the fan experience and improve amenities at the historical venue.

The alcohol sales are carefully regulated, with a limit of two 16-ounce cans of beer per purchase. Beer sales end at the conclusion of the third quarter of the game. Additionally, beer stations are strategically placed around the stadium, excluding the areas near the student section.

The expansion of beer sales at Penn State football games aligns with the practices of several other universities and Big Ten schools. It also provides an opportunity for the university to increase revenue, with projected profits of around $2.5 million in the third year of sales, according to Trustee Valerie Detweiler.

Alcohol sales at Beaver Stadium are limited to two beers per purchase

The two-beer limit per purchase is one of several measures in place to promote responsible drinking and maintain a safe environment for fans. Other measures include age verification, designated sales locations, and sales cut-off times.

To purchase alcohol, fans must be 21 years of age or older and wear a wristband, obtained by presenting a valid government-issued ID. The wristbands serve as a visual confirmation for stadium officials and staff that the wearer is of legal drinking age. This measure helps ensure that alcohol is only served to those who are legally permitted to consume it.

The two-beer limit per transaction is intended to discourage excessive consumption and promote responsible drinking. By limiting the quantity sold per purchase, the university encourages fans to consume alcohol in moderation and pace their drinking throughout the game. This restriction also helps to prevent over-serving and reduces the risk of alcohol-related incidents.

In addition to the two-beer limit, the university has strategically placed alcohol sales points around the stadium, excluding the areas near the student section. This measure ensures that alcohol is accessible to eligible fans while maintaining a safe distance from areas with a high concentration of students, who are often underage.

Furthermore, alcohol sales will cease at the end of the third quarter. This cut-off time encourages fans to make their purchases earlier in the game and discourages binge drinking or last-minute excessive consumption. By ending sales before the game concludes, the university promotes a more gradual wind-down of alcohol consumption, allowing fans to sober up before leaving the stadium.

The two-beer limit per purchase is a crucial component of Penn State's comprehensive approach to responsible alcohol sales at Beaver Stadium. By implementing this restriction alongside other measures, the university prioritizes the safety and well-being of its fans while enhancing the overall game-day experience. These guidelines enable fans to enjoy alcoholic beverages responsibly, creating a positive and controlled environment for all attendees.

Alcohol sales end when the third quarter of the game ends

Alcohol sales are a recent addition to Penn State's football games at Beaver Stadium. The university's board of trustees approved the expanded sale of alcohol in the stadium in September 2022, with the first game offering alcohol to all fans occurring on October 1, 2022.

While alcohol has been available in enclosed suites and club seats since 2016, the new proposal allows for stadium-wide sales to all fans aged 21 and over. To purchase alcohol, fans must show a government-issued ID to obtain a wristband, which confirms they are of legal drinking age.

There are several rules and restrictions in place regarding alcohol sales. Firstly, sales will end when the third quarter of the game ends. This is to ensure that alcohol sales do not continue until the very end of the game, which could potentially lead to overconsumption by fans. By ending sales earlier, the university encourages responsible drinking and gives fans time to sober up before leaving the stadium.

In addition to the sales end time, other measures are in place to manage alcohol consumption. Fans are limited to purchasing two 16-ounce cans of beer per transaction. The university has also partnered with a hospitality company to implement a "responsible alcohol beverage plan." As part of this plan, Penn State has added 300 new staff members to oversee sales and ensure compliance with the rules. The university is taking a proactive approach to managing alcohol sales, ensuring that fans can enjoy a drink while also maintaining a safe and positive game-day experience.

The decision to expand alcohol sales was driven by a desire to improve the fan experience and increase revenue for athletics. According to Penn State Athletics, the addition of alcohol sales is an "amenity" that many fans have been requesting. By offering this option, the university hopes to enhance the game-day atmosphere and attract a wider range of spectators.

In terms of revenue, Penn State projects that alcohol sales will bring significant financial gains. The university expects to see a "moderate" six-figure profit in the first year and projected revenue of seven figures in the second year. By the third year, profits are estimated to reach nearly $2.5 million. These funds will be used to support deferred maintenance projects at Beaver Stadium, helping to improve the facility and the overall fan experience.

Beer stations are placed away from the student section

Penn State's decision to start selling beer at football games was met with enthusiasm by fans who felt it added to the "good football, good environment" atmosphere. However, the placement of beer stations away from the student section has been a notable aspect of this new development. This strategic decision was made to maintain a safe and responsible drinking environment for all attendees.

The university's plan for alcohol sales included specific measures to ensure a well-organized and controlled process. One key component was the placement of beer stations away from the student section. This decision was thoughtfully made, considering the potential impact on the overall fan experience and the safety of all individuals in the stadium. By situating the beer stations at a distance from the student section, Penn State aimed to strike a balance between providing an amenity for fans and maintaining a safe environment for all attendees, including students.

The strategic placement of beer stations is just one aspect of Penn State's comprehensive plan for alcohol sales at football games. The university implemented several measures to ensure responsible drinking and fan safety. For example, they required all patrons above the legal drinking age to show valid identification and obtain a wristband before purchasing alcohol. This two-step verification process helped ensure that only those of legal age could purchase and consume alcohol.

Additionally, Penn State limited the number of drinks per purchase and enforced a cutoff time for alcohol sales, ending them at the conclusion of the third quarter. These measures were designed to discourage excessive drinking and maintain a safe environment for all fans. The university also increased staffing to oversee sales and compliance, demonstrating their commitment to responsible alcohol service.

The decision to place beer stations away from the student section was part of a thoughtful approach to introducing alcohol sales at Penn State football games. By implementing comprehensive safety measures, the university aimed to create a positive fan experience while prioritizing the well-being of all attendees. This balance between amenity and responsibility reflects the university's commitment to creating a safe and enjoyable environment for all fans at Beaver Stadium.

Alcohol sales at Penn State football games are expected to generate revenue and improve the fan experience

Penn State has been seeking ways to expand athletic revenue for years, and alcohol sales at Beaver Stadium are expected to contribute significantly to this goal. The university projects a "moderate" six-figure loss in the first year of implementation and anticipates revenue of seven figures in the second year. By the third year, profits are expected to reach nearly $2.5 million, according to Trustee Valerie Detweiler.

The introduction of alcohol sales at Penn State football games is part of a broader strategy to enhance the fan experience and attract a wider audience to Beaver Stadium. The 2021 Beaver Stadium Study highlighted the need to improve amenities and the fan experience at the historical venue, with the addition of alcohol sales being one of the recommendations.

The implementation of alcohol sales at the stadium has been carefully planned, with a focus on responsible drinking and compliance. Penn State has partnered with a hospitality company to develop a responsible alcohol beverage plan, which includes measures such as wristbands for fans over 21, ID verification for every transaction, and a limit of two drinks per purchase.

The expansion of alcohol sales at Penn State football games is expected to have a positive impact on both revenue generation and the overall fan experience, making it a welcomed addition to the Beaver Stadium experience.

Frequently asked questions