Beer Availability At Sdsu Football Games

Beer and wine sales at college football games have been a topic of discussion and debate in recent years, with some schools arguing that it boosts attendance and revenue, while others express concern over potential drunken behaviour and alcohol-related incidents. In 2022, South Dakota State University (SDSU) prepared to sell beer at football games, joining a growing number of colleges allowing alcohol sales at sporting events. SDSU's decision came after the state's Board of Regents approved an expanded alcohol sales policy for public universities, allowing beer and seltzer sales to the general public at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium during SDSU football games. This move was welcomed by students and fans who believed it would enhance the game-day experience and mitigate the risks of off-campus drinking. However, SDSU's decision to sell beer at football games is just one part of a larger national trend towards alcohol sales at collegiate sporting events.

Beer sales at SDSU basketball games

In 2017, San Diego State University (SDSU) basketball games began to include alcohol sales. This was the result of a change in policy from the California State University (CSU) system, which had previously banned alcohol sales at on-campus sporting events since 2005. The ban was lifted in June 2017, and SDSU officials spent the following months formulating what they called "an appropriate policy" for basketball games.

The policy includes several restrictions: fans must undergo a separate ID check before purchasing alcohol, they can only buy two beers at a time, and sales are cut off at the start of the second half. SDSU athletic director John David Wicker emphasized that these measures are intended to promote responsible drinking and improve the fan experience, rather than solely focusing on revenue generation.

The change in policy is part of a national trend toward alcohol sales at collegiate sporting events, with many athletic departments aiming to enhance the fan experience and generate additional revenue. SDSU is not alone in this decision, as several other Mountain West schools, including UNLV, Nevada, Colorado State, Hawaii, Wyoming, and New Mexico, have also resumed alcohol sales at football and basketball games.

While some may have concerns about the potential negative impact of alcohol sales on the game atmosphere and fan behavior, SDSU students and fans have generally supported the change. Proponents argue that it could boost attendance and create a safer environment, as it provides an alternative to off-campus drinking and tailgating. Additionally, research has shown that alcohol-related incidents tend to decline when bans on alcohol sales are lifted at sporting events.

SDSU's decision to sell beer at basketball games is a careful balance between enhancing the fan experience and promoting responsible drinking. With the implementation of their alcohol sales policy, they aim to provide a positive and enjoyable environment for all fans in attendance.

SDSU students lobby for alcohol sales at home games

South Dakota State University (SDSU) students have been actively campaigning for the sale of alcohol at home football games, arguing that it could boost attendance and revenue. While the university previously allowed alcohol sales in premium seating areas, general admission (GA) fans expressed frustration at not being able to purchase beer or wine.

The Push for Change

The push for alcohol sales at SDSU home football games gained momentum when SDSU students Jonathon Sundet and Brandon Frizzell raised the issue during the December Board of Regents meeting. They highlighted a growing sentiment among fans, students, and alumni who questioned why beer was not sold at these events.

South Dakota Codified Law 35-2-6.1 restricts alcoholic beverage sales at regental universities, with certain exceptions for specific events. However, the South Dakota Board of Regents' policy 6:14 further limits alcohol sales at athletic events to "box suite and lounge areas."

Arguments for Alcohol Sales

Proponents of alcohol sales at SDSU home football games, including Sundet and Frizzell, presented several arguments in favour of the change:

• Equal Access: Sundet, a senator with SDSU's Student Association, argued that restricting alcohol sales to premium seats created an unequal environment, favouring those with more financial means. He advocated for equal access and the ability for all fans to enjoy a beverage of their choice.
• Improved Attendance: Sundet and Frizzell suggested that allowing alcohol sales in GA seating could attract more people to the games, creating a safer environment where police could better control alcohol consumption. They referenced the success of other schools that had implemented similar policies, resulting in reduced binge drinking and alcohol-related incidents.
• Enhanced Fan Experience: Michael Garofalo, an SDSU Students' Association senator who was involved in the push for the new policy, emphasised that alcohol sales would create a better game day experience for students. He also noted that it could help mitigate the risks associated with off-campus drinking.
• Potential Revenue Increase: While not the primary motivation, SDSU acknowledged the potential financial benefits of alcohol sales. Assistant Athletic Director Jeff Holm stated that they would "see if there are any financial windfalls from it," recognising the possibility of enhanced game-day revenue.

Policy Changes and Implementation

In June 2022, the South Dakota Board of Regents unanimously approved an expanded alcohol sales policy for the state's six public universities. This change allowed SDSU to move forward with alcohol sales at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium, the home of Jackrabbit football. The new policy took effect on September 10, 2022, during the football team's home opener.

SDSU implemented several guidelines to ensure responsible alcohol consumption and fan safety:

• Alcohol sales began one hour before kickoff and ended at the conclusion of the third quarter.
• Fans were required to present a valid ID and receive a wristband and stamp to purchase alcohol.
• There were designated alcohol-free sections within the stadium.
• Alcohol was sold in areas separate from concessions, as per the Board of Regents' policy.
• Only cards were accepted for alcohol purchases, and campus meal plans could not be used.

The university also emphasised that their campus police had a strong presence at the games and were prepared to handle any alcohol-related issues.

SDSU football games alcohol sales policy

The sale of alcohol at college football games has been a topic of much discussion and debate in recent years, with varying policies and regulations in place across different states and universities. South Dakota State University (SDSU) has also been a part of this conversation, with students and alumni questioning the lack of beer sales at home games. In this policy document, we will outline the current alcohol sales policy for SDSU football games, including any relevant regulations, restrictions, and future plans.

History of Alcohol Sales at SDSU Football Games

Historically, the sale of alcohol at SDSU football games has been limited to premium seating areas, such as luxury boxes and lounges, as dictated by South Dakota Codified Law 35-2-6.1 and the South Dakota Board of Regents' (BOR) policy 6:14. In 2016, SDSU began selling beer and wine at home football games, but only to those sitting in premium seats. This policy was in line with the regulations set by the BOR, which restricted alcohol sales to specific areas within the stadium.

Current Alcohol Sales Policy

In June 2022, the BOR unanimously approved an expanded alcohol sales policy for the state's six public universities, including SDSU. This change in policy allows state schools to sell beer to the general public, and SDSU has been working to implement this expansion. Starting with the 2022 football season, fans with general admission tickets were able to purchase beer and seltzers at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium for SDSU football home games.

Guidelines for Alcohol Sales at SDSU Football Games

The following guidelines have been put in place to regulate alcohol sales and consumption at SDSU football games:

• Alcohol sales begin one hour before kickoff and end at the conclusion of the third quarter.
• There are designated ID wristband stations in tailgating areas and the stadium, where fans must present a valid ID to receive a wristband and a stamp.
• Alcohol is sold in separate areas from concessions, as per the BOR policy.
• There are multiple beer stations located throughout the stadium, each with multiple points of sale.
• Only cards are accepted for beer purchases, and campus meal plans are not permitted for students.
• Beer prices range from $6 to $8.
• There are two alcohol-free sections in the stadium for fans who prefer a non-drinking environment.
• UPD and campus police are present at the games to ensure the safety of fans and to handle any alcohol-related incidents.

Future Plans and Considerations

SDSU has expressed a commitment to providing a positive and safe gameday experience for all fans, including those who choose to consume alcohol. The university is continuously evaluating the impact of alcohol sales on the fan experience and game atmosphere. While there are no current plans to further expand alcohol sales beyond general admission seating, SDSU is open to making adjustments as needed to ensure the comfort and safety of all attendees.

The SDSU football games alcohol sales policy aims to strike a balance between enhancing the fan experience and promoting responsible alcohol consumption. By following the guidelines set by the BOR and implementing careful planning and management, SDSU strives to create a safe and enjoyable environment for all fans attending football games. Any future changes or updates to this policy will be communicated to the public in a timely manner.

SDSU football games alcohol sales impact on revenue

In 2016, South Dakota State University (SDSU) began selling beer and wine at home football games, but only to those in premium seats. In 2021, SDSU students lobbied for general admission (GA) alcohol sales at home games, arguing that it could boost attendance and revenue. The following year, SDSU's Board of Regents approved an expanded alcohol sales policy, allowing fans to purchase beer and seltzer at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium for the Jackrabbit football home-opener.

SDSU's decision to sell alcohol at university home games has resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars in sales, with SDSU seeing the most alcohol sales of all campuses at over $300,000. This revenue benefits the operating budgets of athletic departments, including funding for athletic scholarships.

Alcohol sales have also been shown to increase attendance at university sporting events. SDSU's average attendance at volleyball, wrestling, and softball improved from the previous year, while football and basketball attendance remained relatively unchanged. However, football attendance is now higher than it was in the two years before COVID-19 restrictions.

SDSU's communications director, Mike Lockrem, attributed the successful sales and increased attendance to the success of the football team and the first-class facilities on campus. The SDSU Jackrabbits won their first FCS championship title last season.

In addition to increased revenue and attendance, alcohol sales in GA seating are expected to create a safer game-day environment. SDSU has previously sold alcohol in GA seating during Jacks Bash events, with limited instances of drunken behavior. The university police department expressed confidence in their ability to control alcohol consumption during football games.

While there are potential benefits to alcohol sales at SDSU football games, it is important to consider the potential health and safety risks associated with alcohol consumption. Universities should implement policies to promote responsible consumption and ensure a safe environment for all fans.

SDSU football games alcohol sales impact on attendance

In 2016, South Dakota State University (SDSU) began selling beer and wine at home football games, but only to those sitting in premium seats. This meant that the majority of fans, who sit in general admission (GA), were unable to purchase alcohol at the games.

In December 2021, two SDSU students, Jonathon Sundet and Brandon Frizzell, spoke to the Board of Regents about a conversation that had been taking place among SDSU fans, students, and alumni: why isn't beer sold to all fans at home games? They argued that allowing beer and wine sales to all fans could boost attendance and revenue.

The following year, in August 2022, SDSU announced that it was prepared to sell beer at football games starting on September 10, 2022, for the Jackrabbit football home opener. This change came after the South Dakota Board of Regents unanimously approved an expanded alcohol sales policy for the state's six public universities.

Data has shown that the policy change to allow alcohol sales at SDSU football games has helped increase attendance at university sporting events. While attendance at volleyball, wrestling, and softball events improved from the previous year, football and basketball attendance saw little change. However, it is worth noting that basketball attendance is now closer to pre-COVID-19 levels, and football attendance is higher than it was in the two years before COVID-19 restrictions. SDSU saw the most alcohol sales of all the campuses at more than $300,000.

The ability to purchase alcohol at SDSU football games is just one part of the game-day experience, with SDSU's communications director, Mike Lockrem, attributing the successful sales and increased attendance to the success of the football team and the first-class facilities on campus.

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