Beer Availability At Spartan Stadium: A Guide

Spartan Stadium, home to Michigan State University's athletics, has recently introduced alcohol sales during games. The stadium now offers a range of alcoholic beverages, including beer and selzter options, with sales regulated to begin one hour before kickoff and end 10 minutes before the third quarter. Patrons must show ID and are limited to purchasing two drinks per transaction. While the introduction of alcohol sales has sparked mixed reactions, with some anticipating improved fan experience and others expressing concerns about potential negative consequences, the university has reported no increase in alcohol-related incidents so far.

Alcohol sales began at Spartan Stadium in 2023

The first game with alcohol sales took place in September 2023, when Spartan Stadium hosted a game against Washington. This initial offering provided valuable insights into the management of alcohol sales, with about 16,500 cans sold across ten fixed-location carts throughout the stadium. The university carefully regulated sales, requiring ID checks, limiting the number of beverages per transaction, and discontinuing sales with 10 minutes left in the third quarter.

The alcoholic beverage options included a range of beers and seltzers, with domestic beers and seltzers priced at $10 and Michigan/craft beers at $12. The drinks were sold in 16 oz. cans for beer and 12 oz. cans for seltzer. Patrons could choose from popular options such as Coors Light, Bud Light, Bell’s Oberon, Founders All Day, and Sparti Parti, among others.

To ensure responsible alcohol distribution, all employees involved in sales were required to have appropriate training and certification as mandated by Michigan Liquor Control Board policies. The university also took steps to address potential issues with fake IDs and enforced rules prohibiting alcohol from leaving the stadium.

The introduction of alcohol sales at Spartan Stadium aligned with practices at other Big Ten universities, which reported no increase in alcohol-related incidents or the need for additional police staffing. The availability of alcohol inside the stadium was expected to reduce binge-drinking during tailgating and improve the overall fan experience.

The revenue generated from alcohol sales at Spartan Stadium was designated for various purposes, including MSU's University Health and Wellbeing initiative, stadium fan experience improvements, and funding for education programs.

Beer and seltzer are available at fixed-location carts

Beer and selzter are available at fixed-location carts throughout Spartan Stadium. These carts are not mobile and are separate from the pre-existing concession stands. The alcoholic beverages are sold by trained and certified staff, who will ID any customer, every time, regardless of age. There is a limit of two alcoholic drinks per transaction, and sales begin an hour before the announced kickoff time, ending with 10 minutes left in the third quarter.

The drinks are sold in cans, with beer in 16 oz servings and selzter in 12 oz servings. Domestic beers and seltzer cost $10, while Michigan/Craft beers cost $12. The drinks can only be consumed within the stadium and patrons are encouraged to recycle their cans.

The introduction of alcohol sales at Spartan Stadium has been a success for Michigan State University, with around 16,500 cans sold at the first game, bringing in at least $165,000. The university expects to bring in $1 million or more each football season from these sales.

Alcohol sales end 10 minutes before the third quarter

Alcohol sales at Spartan Stadium are carefully regulated by Michigan State University. Alcohol sales begin one hour before the announced kickoff time and end 10 minutes before the start of the third quarter. This regulation was implemented during the first game where alcohol was sold inside the stadium, which was against Washington.

The university has outlined several rules regarding alcohol sales and consumption. Firstly, all patrons are required to present a valid ID for every purchase, and there is a limit of two alcoholic beverages per transaction. If an individual already has one drink, they can only purchase one additional beverage. Alcoholic beverages are sold at fixed-location carts throughout the stadium and are not available in the pre-existing concession stands or seating areas. Employees selling alcohol must have the necessary training and certification as mandated by Michigan Liquor Control Board policies.

The university also enforces strict policies to ensure the safe and responsible consumption of alcohol. Alcohol is not permitted to leave the stadium, and fans are encouraged to recycle their beverage cans. The use of fake IDs is prohibited and will result in confiscation and referral to law enforcement. MSU's alcohol policy aims to create a safe and enjoyable environment for fans while also adhering to relevant state laws and regulations.

Patrons must show ID and are limited to two drinks per transaction

Patrons at Spartan Stadium are required to show ID when purchasing alcoholic beverages. This is in line with Michigan Liquor Control Board policies, which mandate that all employees selling alcohol must verify the age of the buyer. The stadium's alcohol policy also limits patrons to a maximum of two alcoholic drinks per transaction. This limit is in place to ensure that alcohol is consumed responsibly and to maintain the safety of all guests. It is important to note that patrons who are already in possession of one beverage will only be allowed to purchase an additional drink, adhering to the stadium's drink limit policy.

The ID check and drink limit policies are part of the comprehensive set of regulations implemented by Michigan State University as they began a new era of alcohol sales at Spartan Stadium. The university has outlined specific rules, merchandise options, and pricing to cultivate a safe and enjoyable stadium culture for all patrons. These regulations are designed to ensure that the sale and consumption of alcohol are appropriately managed during events.

The drink limit policy is an essential component of responsible alcohol service. By limiting the number of drinks per transaction, the stadium aims to prevent over-consumption and promote a positive experience for all guests. This policy also helps staff monitor alcohol consumption and intervene if they observe any signs of intoxication. Additionally, the ID check requirement ensures that only patrons of legal drinking age are served, further enhancing the safety of the environment.

It is worth noting that the university has taken a proactive approach to alcohol sales by providing fixed-location carts for alcohol purchases. These designated sales points allow for better control and monitoring of alcohol distribution. The university has also mandated appropriate training and certification for all alcohol-serving employees, ensuring that they are well-equipped to handle alcohol sales responsibly and in compliance with legal requirements.

In summary, the ID check and drink limit policies at Spartan Stadium are crucial components of responsible alcohol service. By implementing these measures, the university prioritises the safety and well-being of its patrons while creating a controlled environment for the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages. These policies work together to foster a positive and enjoyable experience for all guests during events at the stadium.

MSU's alcohol policy will not change despite sales

Michigan State University (MSU) has recently changed its alcohol policy to allow the sale of alcohol at Spartan Stadium during football games. This change was made after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation in July 2023, allowing alcohol to be sold at collegiate athletic competitions. MSU is now the 10th Big Ten institution to sell alcohol throughout its football stadium.

Despite this change in policy, MSU has stated that its alcohol policy will not change regarding the sale of alcohol on campus. The university's alcohol ordinance will continue to regulate the sale of alcohol in certain venues on campus, and alcohol sales will only be permitted at Spartan Stadium during specific times. Alcohol sales will be regulated beginning one hour before the announced kickoff time until 10 minutes remain in the third quarter, at which point sales will stop.

MSU has announced several rules and regulations regarding alcohol sales at Spartan Stadium to ensure the safety and well-being of its students, fans, and employees. All patrons will be required to show ID at every purchase, and there will be a limit of two alcoholic beverages per transaction. Alcoholic beverages will be sold only at fixed-location carts throughout the stadium and three concession stands (Sections 14, 17, and 30). Alcohol is not permitted to leave the stadium, and fans are encouraged to recycle their beverage cans.

All employees selling alcohol will be required to have appropriate training and certification as per Michigan Liquor Control Board policies. Fake IDs will be confiscated, and individuals will be referred to law enforcement. Students presenting fake IDs will also be subject to the student conduct process. MSU's alcohol policy aims to create a safe and enjoyable environment for all fans while complying with state and local regulations regarding alcohol sales and service.

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