By Neil Doyle
NORMAL – Illinois State University is joining many other schools around the country that offer alcohol sales at athletic events.
The university announced in July that starting this fall, general concession stands in Hancock Stadium and Redbird Arena will offer beer and wine sales.
ISU Athletic Director Larry Lyons told WJBC’s Scott Miller and Katherine Murphy the hope is to provide a better fan experience.
Listen to the complete interview:
“The game is still the most important thing that will provide the most entertainment, but in today’s society providing the option to purchase alcohol at games is becoming the norm.”
“You go to any pro event, public arena and now many NCAA stadiums and arenas offer alcohol. The first time the NCAA allowed it was at the College World Series in Omaha a couple of years ago and I was on the committee that oversaw it and watched how it was implemented,” Lyons said.
Lyons said bigger schools that serve alcohol inside the stadium claim it helps to limit binge drinking during tailgates.
He added while it may draw a few extra fans to games, it’s not intended to boost attendance.
Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]
