Purchasing Beer At Thompson-Boling Arena: What You Need To Know

Thompson-Boling Arena, located in Knoxville, TN, is a 21,000-seat arena that hosts a variety of events, including sports, concerts, comedy shows, and family events. The arena is the home of the Tennessee Volunteers basketball programs and has hosted major names such as Thomas Rhett, James Taylor, Chris Stapleton, and The Eagles. In addition to offering a range of food and beverage options, Thompson-Boling Arena also allows the sale of alcohol, including beer. This has sparked mixed reactions from visitors, with some embracing the new option and others expressing concern over the price.

Beer prices at Thompson-Boling Arena

The alcohol menu at Thompson-Boling Arena includes four light beer options, one IPA, and one spiked seltzer. The light beer selections are Coors Light, Miller Lite, Bud Light, and Michelob Ultra, priced at $12, $13, $12, and $13, respectively. The light beers have an alcohol by volume (ABV) level of 4.2% and are served in 24 or 25-ounce portions.

The IPA, Lagunitas, is priced at $13 for a 19.2-ounce serving and has a higher ABV of 6.2%. For those who prefer spiked seltzer, Bon & Viv is available for $12 per 16-ounce serving, with an ABV of 4.5%.

It is important to note that alcohol is only sold at five beer kiosks around the arena and not at concession stands. Additionally, a valid photo ID is required for each alcohol purchase, and there is a limit of two drinks per purchase.

While some may consider the beer prices at Thompson-Boling Arena to be overpriced compared to grocery store standards, it is not uncommon for event venues to charge higher prices for alcoholic beverages. The introduction of alcohol sales at the arena was met with a positive response by attendees, offering a new option for those who enjoy drinking beer at events.

Beer kiosks at the arena

Thompson-Boling Arena, located at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is a 21,000-seat venue that hosts a variety of events, including sports, concerts, comedy shows, and family events. The arena has multiple concession areas offering various food and beverage options, including beer.

The introduction of beer kiosks at the arena was met with a positive response, with attendees embracing the new option. The beer kiosks are located at five different locations around the arena, and patrons must show a valid photo ID to purchase alcohol. The alcohol is poured from cans into clear cups, and there is a limit of two drinks per purchase.

The beer options available include light beers such as Coors Light, Miller Lite, and Bud Light, priced at $12, and Michelob Ultra, priced at $13. The light beers have an alcohol by volume (ABV) level of 4.2%. For those who prefer something stronger, the arena offers Lagunitas IPA, a 6.2% ABV beer, also priced at $13 for a 19.2-ounce serving.

In addition to beer, the arena also offers Bon & Viv spiked seltzer for $12, with a 4.5% ABV and a serving size of 16 ounces. These beverage options provide a range of choices for patrons, allowing them to enjoy their preferred drinks while attending events at the arena.

The availability of alcohol at the arena is a convenient option for patrons, enhancing their overall experience. The smooth implementation of alcohol sales, with no significant issues reported, showcases the effective planning and management of the beer kiosks by the university.

Alcohol pouring and serving

Thompson-Boling Arena, located at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is a 21,000-seat arena that hosts a variety of events, including sports, concerts, comedy shows, and family events. The arena has multiple concession areas offering food and beverages, and until recently, alcohol was not served at these concessions.

However, in August 2019, the arena began selling alcohol for the first time during an Alice Cooper concert. Since then, alcohol has been available for purchase at the arena, but only at specific beer kiosks and not at the concession stands. The alcohol options are typically limited to beer and spiked seltzer, with a range of light beers, IPAs, and sometimes, other domestic options.

When purchasing alcohol at Thompson-Boling Arena, there are a few important things to note. Firstly, alcohol is poured from cans into clear cups, and you can only purchase up to two drinks at a time. Secondly, you must show a valid photo ID each time you buy an alcoholic beverage. The prices for these drinks are typically considered high, ranging from $12 to $13 per drink, with serving sizes varying between 19 and 25 ounces.

While the introduction of alcohol sales at the arena was met with some concern over potential issues, the university spokeswoman, Tyra Haag, stated that the initial test run during the Alice Cooper concert was successful, with "no significant issues". Overall, the availability of alcohol at Thompson-Boling Arena provides an additional option for guests, allowing them to enhance their enjoyment of the various events held at this versatile venue.

Valid photo ID requirements

Beer is available for purchase at Thompson-Boling Arena, but there are strict rules in place regarding its sale. A valid photo ID must be presented each time you buy alcohol, and only two drinks can be purchased at a time. The alcohol will be poured from cans into clear cups, and you must be prepared to present your ID again after the purchase.

Thompson-Boling Arena enforces strict valid photo ID requirements for the purchase of alcohol. Patrons must present an acceptable form of identification each time they buy alcoholic beverages. The valid forms of ID include a government-issued photo ID card, such as a driver's license or passport. It is important to note that the ID must be valid and not expired. The name and date of birth on the ID should match the purchaser's details, and the ID may be checked multiple times to ensure compliance.

The arena staff and security personnel are trained to verify the authenticity of IDs and may use specialized equipment to detect any tampering or forgery. Any attempt to use a fake ID or pass alcohol to a minor will result in immediate ejection from the arena. It is crucial to adhere to the ID requirements and alcohol policies to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all patrons.

Additionally, the arena has implemented measures to prevent intoxication and underage drinking. Arena personnel are authorized to ask for identification at any time, even after the purchase, to ensure compliance with age restrictions. Patrons who show signs of intoxication may be denied service or asked to leave the premises. The arena also employs a designated driver program, offering free soft drinks to those who commit to abstaining from alcohol and providing safe transportation for their group.

It is worth noting that the valid photo ID requirements at Thompson-Boling Arena are in place to comply with legal age restrictions and promote responsible drinking. By enforcing these requirements, the arena ensures that alcoholic beverages are only served to those of legal age and helps maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all guests.

The future of beer sales at the arena

Beer sales at the Thompson-Boling Arena, located at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, began in August 2019 with an Alice Cooper concert. The alcohol menu at the arena includes four light beer options, one IPA, and one spiked seltzer. The light beers available are Coors Light, Miller Lite, Bud Light, and Michelob Ultra, with prices ranging from $12 to $13 for serving sizes between 24 and 25 ounces. The Lagunitas IPA is also priced at $13 and is served in a 19.2-ounce portion. For non-beer drinkers, there is the option of Bon & Viv spiked seltzer, priced at $12 for a 16-ounce serving.

The future of beer sales at the Thompson-Boling Arena looks promising, with organizers expecting to make $10 to $12 per person with alcohol sales, compared to $2 to $4 without. However, some attendees have expressed concerns about the price, with a 19 to 25-ounce beer costing $12 to $13. Despite this, the introduction of beer sales at the arena has been well-received, with some attendees embracing the new option and the university spokeswoman, Tyra Haag, reporting no significant issues during the Alice Cooper concert.

Going forward, the arena will need to continue ensuring responsible alcohol service and addressing any concerns related to over-consumption and drunk driving. The university's senior associate vice chancellor for finance and administration, Jeff Maples, expressed confidence in their ability to manage alcohol sales, stating that he is "not worried" about the arena's ability to sell alcohol successfully.

To maintain a positive experience for all guests, the arena has implemented several measures. Alcohol is sold only at five designated beer kiosks, and each purchase requires a valid photo ID. Additionally, the alcohol is poured into clear cups, and there is a limit of two drinks per purchase. These measures are in place to promote a safe and enjoyable environment for all attendees.

The Thompson-Boling Arena is a popular venue for various events, including sports, concerts, and comedy shows, with a seating capacity of 21,000. The introduction of beer sales adds to the diverse offerings of the arena, enhancing the experience for those who choose to indulge in alcoholic beverages during events.

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