Drinking Beer In Autzen Stadium: What's Allowed?

Beer and wine are available for purchase at Autzen Stadium, the home of the Oregon Ducks. The stadium, located in Eugene, Oregon, is known for its lively atmosphere and enthusiastic fans. While alcohol sales were previously limited to specific areas, such as the Moshofsky Center and The Club at Autzen, the University of Oregon expanded sales to the general concessions area starting in 2018. This change was part of a pilot program aimed at enhancing the fan experience and improving safety.

Beer and wine sales at Autzen Stadium

Beer and wine sales are available at Autzen Stadium, the home of the Oregon Ducks. Alcohol sales are restricted to the Moshofsky Center, The Club at Autzen, and the general concessions area. The student section of the stadium does not sell or permit the consumption of alcohol. The University of Oregon has implemented these measures to enhance the fan experience and improve safety.

The decision to expand alcohol sales was made in consultation with campus and law enforcement stakeholders, including the UO Police Department, the Eugene Police Department, and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission. More than 50 Division I schools with similar policies were also consulted. In-stadium alcohol sales by trained and licensed servers aim to provide more control over alcohol consumption and deter overconsumption.

To further ensure the safe consumption of alcohol, the University of Oregon has significantly increased the number of alcohol monitors on the game-day staff. These monitors are responsible for vigilance regarding binge drinking, underage drinking, and potential incidents.

Autzen Stadium offers a wide variety of beer, including Coors Light, Blue Moon, Hop Valley IPA, Deschutes Mirror Pond, and IPA. For wine lovers, red and white wine are available by the glass.

In addition to the expanded alcohol sales, Autzen Stadium has implemented a clear-bag policy and eliminated stadium re-entry during games. These measures are designed to enhance fan safety and improve the overall game-day experience.

Alcohol monitors at Autzen Stadium

Alcohol monitors play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of fans at Autzen Stadium during football games. With the expansion of alcohol sales to the general concessions area, the University of Oregon has implemented several measures to enhance the fan experience and improve safety.

Firstly, the University of Oregon has increased the number of alcohol monitors throughout the stadium. These monitors are trained and licensed servers who are vigilant in preventing binge drinking, underage drinking, and potential incidents related to alcohol consumption. Their presence serves as a deterrent to overconsumption and ensures that alcohol is only served to those of legal drinking age.

The decision to expand alcohol sales was made in partnership with various stakeholders, including campus and law enforcement entities such as the UO Police Department, the Eugene Police Department, and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission. By consulting with over 50 Division I schools with similar policies, the University has adopted best practices to promote a safe and positive experience for all fans.

In addition to the increased number of alcohol monitors, the University has also implemented a clear-bag policy and eliminated the stadium re-entry provision. This means that fans are no longer allowed to re-enter the stadium after exiting at any point during the game. This measure is designed to reduce binge drinking and prevent alcohol-related incidents, as fans will not be able to consume additional alcohol during halftime and return to their seats for the second half.

The combination of increased alcohol monitors, clear-bag policies, and the elimination of stadium re-entry reflects the University of Oregon's commitment to fan safety and the enhancement of the overall game-day experience at Autzen Stadium. These measures work together to create a safer and more enjoyable environment for all attendees, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the excitement and magic of college football at Autzen Stadium.

Stadium re-entry policy

As part of an effort to reduce binge drinking and prevent alcohol-related incidents, Autzen Stadium does not allow fans to re-enter the stadium after they've exited at any point during the game. This is a major change from past policies that allowed game attendees to access the parking lot at halftime and return to their seats for the second half.

Fans can still access the Moshofsky Center throughout the game and return to their seats inside the stadium. However, they will not be allowed to re-enter the stadium itself if they exit at any point during the game. This policy is in line with industry best practices and has been implemented to create a safer football environment, as it helps to reduce unruly behaviour and medical issues caused by excessive alcohol consumption.

The University of Oregon made this decision in partnership with various stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, and it has been supported by the UOPD Chief Matt Carmichael, who emphasised the importance of fan safety. This change was also made in response to consistent feedback from fans and is similar to policies at other peer institutions.

In addition to the elimination of the stadium re-entry provision, Autzen Stadium has also implemented a clear bag policy and expanded in-stadium beer and wine sales to general concession areas, excluding the student sections. These changes are part of a comprehensive effort to enhance the fan experience and improve safety at the stadium.

Clear bag policy

Autzen Stadium has a clear bag policy for fans entering the stadium. This policy is in line with policies at other sports venues across the nation, which aim to improve safety and reduce waiting times. The University of Oregon's clear bag policy limits the size and type of bags that are permitted inside the stadium, but it does not restrict the items that fans have brought into the stadium in the past.

• Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags that do not exceed 12”x6”x12”
• One-gallon clear, re-sealable plastic storage bags
• Small clutch bags no larger than 4.5” x 6.5” (approximately the size of a hand) with or without a handle or strap

Prohibited bags include but are not limited to:

• Purses
• Backpacks (solid or oversized)
• Diaper bags
• Binocular cases
• Camera cases
• Fanny packs (solid)
• Luggage
• Seat cushions with a zipper
• Any bag larger than the permissible size
• Any bag that is not clear

Each ticketed guest can carry one large clear bag, either a one-gallon Ziploc-style bag or a 12" by 6" by 12" clear bag, plus a small clutch purse (4.5" x 6.5"). The small clutch allows privacy for small personal items and can also be easily searched.

It is important to note that fans can still carry permitted items such as keys, phones, wallets, makeup, blankets, etc. in their pockets or hands if they choose not to put them in a clear bag or clutch. Additionally, blankets can be carried over the arms or shoulders, and binoculars and/or cameras can be worn around the neck or held in the hands without the case.

Alcohol sales in the student section

This decision to prohibit alcohol sales and consumption in the student section was made in collaboration with campus and law enforcement stakeholders, such as the UO Police Department, the Eugene Police Department, and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission. By consulting with these stakeholders and referring to the practices of more than 50 Division I schools with similar policies, the University aimed to prioritize fan safety and create a positive experience for all attendees.

The University also significantly increased the number of alcohol monitors throughout the stadium to allow for enhanced vigilance regarding binge drinking, underage drinking, and potential incidents. This measure was implemented to further ensure the safety and well-being of all fans, including those in the student section, where alcohol consumption was not permitted.

It is worth noting that the expansion of alcohol sales to the general concessions area was part of a one-year pilot program. The University may have evaluated the success and impact of this program before making long-term decisions about alcohol sales in the stadium, including the student section. However, the primary focus remained on enhancing the fan experience while prioritizing safety for all attendees.

While the University of Oregon made efforts to improve the fan experience at Autzen Stadium, they also recognized the importance of responsible alcohol consumption and the well-being of their students and fans. By working closely with law enforcement and following industry best practices, they aimed to create a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.

Frequently asked questions