Buying Beer For The Big House: What You Need To Know

Beer lovers and sports enthusiasts in Michigan have something to cheer about as the state's 15 public universities are now allowed to sell alcohol at football, hockey, and basketball games. This means that fans will be able to purchase a cold one at the Big House, the home of the Michigan Wolverines, starting with the 2024 season. The new law, which was signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, is expected to bring in more revenue and improve the student experience. However, it has also sparked concerns about excessive drinking and potential safety issues. So, can you buy beer at the Big House? The answer is yes, but only time will tell what impact this will have on the game-day experience.

Beer prices at the Big House

On August 13, 2024, it was revealed that the price for a 16-ounce domestic beer at Michigan Stadium would be $12.25. This price point was met with some criticism from fans, who considered it to be too high for a standard beer, with some suggesting they would opt to drink before entering the stadium. In addition to domestic beer, the stadium will also offer five local craft beers and other macro options.

Alcohol sales at the Big House will begin one hour before kickoff and end at the start of the fourth quarter. This aligns with a new law in Michigan that permits alcohol sales at select games at all public universities in the state. The law was supported by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who stated that it would bring Michigan universities in line with their counterparts in other states, reduce binge drinking before games, and generate additional revenue to improve the student experience.

The introduction of alcohol sales at the Big House has sparked a range of reactions from fans, with some expressing excitement while others have concerns about potential negative impacts on the in-stadium experience, including the risk of beer being spilled and increased drunkenness. It remains to be seen how the new policy will affect the overall fan experience at Michigan Wolverines football games.

Alcohol sales at Michigan Stadium

The new law allows for licensing at all Michigan public universities to sell alcohol at sporting events, with sales permitted one hour before kickoff and ending at the start of the fourth quarter. The price for a 16-ounce domestic beer is $12.25, with five local craft beers and other alcoholic options also available.

The revenue from alcohol sales will primarily go toward "operational expenses," with a "portion" going to the university to fund campus research projects. The decision to allow alcohol sales at Michigan Stadium followed a successful trial at the university's other two primary athletic venues, Crisler Center and Yost Ice Arena, where there were no reported issues related to drunken behavior.

The University of Michigan has implemented rules and regulations for alcohol sales, in collaboration with various campus partners, to ensure a safe and responsible rollout. This includes the athletic department, the Office of Student Life, the Division of Public Safety and Security, Risk Management, and Government Relations.

Senate Bill 247

The bill also allows for an additional five days per calendar year for events that are not athletic in nature, hosted at these selected locations. Alcohol sales are permitted at football, hockey, and basketball games, with sales ending at the buzzer.

The new law brings Michigan in line with 11 of the 14 Big Ten schools that currently allow alcohol sales, including Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio State, Purdue, Penn State, Rutgers, Minnesota, Northwestern, Wisconsin, and Iowa.

The price for a 16-ounce domestic beer at Michigan Stadium, also known as the Big House, was revealed to be $12.25 for the 2024 college football season. In addition to domestic beer, five local craft beers and other alcoholic items are also available for purchase. Alcohol sales at the Big House start one hour before kickoff and end at the start of the fourth quarter.

Alcohol sales at US sporting events

In 2024, Michigan also passed legislation allowing alcohol sales at its 15 public universities' football, hockey, and basketball games. This move has sparked excitement among fans who are eager to enjoy a drink while watching their favourite teams. However, it has also raised concerns about potential alcohol-related problems, such as assaults and drunk driving. To address these concerns, universities are implementing various alcohol control policies and practices, including limiting the number of drinks sold per person and requiring age identification checks.

The price of alcohol at sporting events can also be a point of contention for fans. For example, at Michigan Stadium, a 16-ounce domestic beer costs $12.25, with craft beers and other options likely costing even more. While some fans may choose to pre-game with drinks before entering the stadium, others may find these prices too high and choose to abstain from purchasing alcohol inside.

Alcohol sales at college games

The University of Michigan is an interesting case study in this debate. In July 2023, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill allowing alcohol sales at the state's 15 public universities' football, hockey, and basketball games. This decision has sparked discussions among universities about whether to start selling alcohol at sporting events. As of October 2024, Michigan State had announced plans to sell alcohol, while the University of Michigan had not yet decided. The 2024 college football season marks the first year that alcohol will be sold at Michigan Stadium, also known as "The Big House", with domestic beers priced at $12.25 for a 16-ounce cup.

The impact of alcohol sales at college games has been a subject of debate and research. Some argue that it may lead to a decrease in binge drinking before games and improve the fan experience. However, others are concerned about the potential negative consequences, such as increased alcohol-related incidents and the impact on student behaviour. Research on the public health effects of alcohol sales at college games has yielded mixed results, with some studies showing a decrease in alcohol-related emergencies and others indicating an increase in risky behaviour and arrests.

The University of Iowa conducted a study on the impact of alcohol sales at its football stadium, which hosts over 65,000 spectators. The research found no significant change in emergency medical service calls or emergency department visits related to alcohol after the introduction of in-stadium alcohol sales. The study suggested that fans may drink less at tailgate parties knowing that alcohol would be available during the game. Additionally, long lines and beverage limits at concessions may have prevented excessive consumption.

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