Buying Beer At University Of Utah Football Games

Beer and sports have had a long and complex relationship, with alcohol sales at sports venues becoming a growing phenomenon across the Big Four sports in the United States. While beer and alcohol sales have been common in professional sports venues, it is a relatively new development in college sports. In 2023, 88% of schools sold alcohol during college football games, a significant increase from only 20 schools in 2018. However, there are still some colleges and universities that refrain from selling alcoholic beverages, including the University of Utah. So, if you're planning to attend a football game at the University of Utah, you won't be able to buy beer or any other type of alcohol within the stadium. This is due to strict liquor laws in the state of Utah, which prohibit the consumption of liquor in public buildings or stadiums.

Beer is not sold at University of Utah football games

The University of Utah is among a minority of schools that don't sell alcohol in their stadiums or arenas. In 2023, 88% of schools sold alcohol during college football games, a figure that has risen from 20% in 2018.

The sale of alcohol at college football games has become a significant source of revenue for universities. For example, the University of Tennessee sold more than 278,000 beers at their Neyland Stadium in 2023, making over $3.3 million.

However, the University of Utah, along with other universities in the state, fall under the "`public building`" section in Utah alcohol law, which prohibits the consumption of liquor in public buildings or stadiums. Public buildings are not allowed to sell liquor such as vodka, high-point beer, and wine. They can, however, sell 5% alcohol-by-volume beer and other approved seltzer products if they have a third-party concessions operator with a beer recreation license.

The decision not to sell beer at University of Utah football games is in line with the state's strict liquor laws and helps to ensure the safety of fans and reduce the risk of drunk driving incidents.

Alcohol sales at sporting events are big business

The association between alcohol and sports goes back nearly 150 years. The first professional baseball game was played in 1869, and with interest waning, the American Association introduced beer and Sunday games in 1882. While the "Beer and Whiskey League" folded after a decade, it established the link between baseball and alcohol. Prohibition curtailed alcohol sales at American sports venues from 1920 to 1933, but after it ended, beer quickly became a staple at many sporting events, with vendors roaming the stands.

Today, alcohol sales are a significant revenue stream for many sports venues, with beer being the most popular alcoholic beverage at football, baseball, basketball, and hockey games. Teams and leagues have sponsorship deals with beer companies, and alcohol brands invest heavily in sports sponsorships to increase brand awareness and sales. For example, it wouldn't feel like the Super Bowl without Bud Light or the FIFA World Cup without Heineken's fan zones.

Alcohol sales at college sports venues are also becoming more common. In 2023, 88% of FBS schools sold alcohol, and universities have reaped significant revenue from these sales. However, concerns about excessive drinking, fan behavior, and drunk driving have led to measures such as limiting the number of beers per customer and cutting off sales early.

The University of Utah is among the schools that don't sell alcohol in its stadium due to strict state liquor laws. The state of Utah has some of the strictest liquor laws in the country, and no FBS teams in the state can sell alcohol in football stadiums.

Alcohol sales at sporting events can indeed be a volatile mix, and management strategies are essential to ensure the safety of all attendees. Teams and venues must balance the revenue benefits with the potential risks and negative impacts on fan experiences.

Drunk driving is a concern for fans leaving games

The University of Utah has some of the strictest liquor laws in the country, and no alcohol is sold at any FBS games in the state. While this policy helps to prevent drunk driving, it is still a concern for fans leaving games, as they may be drinking before or during the game.

Drunk driving is a serious issue in the United States, causing thousands of deaths each year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 37 people in the US die in drunk-driving crashes every day, which equates to one person every 39 minutes. In 2022, 13,524 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, and drunk driving accidents were responsible for about 11,000 deaths per year. The NHTSA also reports that more than 280 children were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2022, and that drunk driving costs more than $58 billion in deaths and damages annually.

The University of Texas is one example of a university that has begun selling alcohol at football games, and this has led to an increase in drunk driving incidents. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, DWI crashes increase when alcohol is sold at games. Data from the University of Texas shows that the number of crashes on game days is much higher than on non-game days.

To prevent drunk driving, it is important to plan a safe ride home before consuming alcohol. This could include designating a sober driver, calling a taxi or ride-share service, or using public transportation. It is also essential to remember that even a small amount of alcohol can affect driving ability. Additionally, security officers, police officers, and alcohol patrols can help to ensure that patrons do not pass off drinks to underage drinkers or drink to excess.

Alcohol sales at college football games have increased

Alcohol sales at college football games have been increasing over the years, with 88% of FBS schools selling alcohol in 2023. This is a notable increase from over 10 years ago, when it was rare to find alcohol being sold at a college football stadium. The sale of alcohol has become a way for schools to increase revenue and attract more fans to the games.

In 2019, the SEC allowed schools to sell alcohol, and this decision was followed by other Power Five conferences, leading to an exponential rise in alcohol sales at college football games. Since then, 16 more schools have started selling alcohol, and Michigan also lifted its ban on alcohol sales at college sporting events.

The University of Texas also started selling beer and wine at football games in 2015, and the University of Iowa published a study in 2023 on the impact of alcohol sales during games. The study found that there was no significant increase in alcohol-related emergencies when alcohol sales were introduced.

While alcohol sales have increased revenue for universities, there are concerns about the potential impact on fan safety and drunk driving incidents. Some universities, such as the University of Michigan, are taking a wait-and-see approach to alcohol sales, weighing the potential benefits against the unique collegiate atmosphere they wish to preserve.

The University of Utah is an exception to the trend, as no FBS teams in the state can sell alcohol in football stadiums due to strict liquor laws. This highlights the varying approaches to alcohol sales at college football games, which continue to evolve as universities balance revenue, fan experience, and safety considerations.

Utah has strict liquor laws

The University of Utah is one of the few colleges in the US where you cannot buy beer at football games. This is because Utah has some of the strictest liquor laws in the country.

Until 2019, Utah law stated that beer could not exceed 3.2% alcohol by volume (ABV). However, a new bill was passed that raised the limit to 4% alcohol by weight or 5% ABV for beers sold in grocery stores, convenience stores, and on tap at bars and restaurants. Beers with higher alcohol content are available at state-run liquor stores, which are typically closed on Sundays and holidays and have varying closing times on other days.

In restaurants, alcoholic drinks can only be served with food, but at breweries or beer-only establishments, food is not required to buy a beer. Last call for alcohol is generally 1 am, and bars must close by 2 am.

Utah has strict rules regarding the difference between a bar and a restaurant. While both are allowed to sell alcohol between 11:30 am and 1 am, a restaurant requires patrons to order food with their drinks. Many eateries choose to license themselves as bars to avoid this restriction.

Utah has the strictest DUI limit in the country at 0.05%, which applies to both cars and bicycles.

In the past, Utah had even stricter liquor laws. Before 2009, bars and clubs were required to charge a cover or membership fee, and until 2017, restaurants were required to have partitions called "Zion curtains" that separated bartenders preparing drinks from customers.

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