Lyons: Pleased with beer, wine sales in general seating areas

Posted on January 10, 2020
In the 10 member Missouri Valley Conference, Illinois State University is one of nine other schools that offers beer or wine sales at athletic events, according to the MVC office. (WJBC file photo)

 

By Neil Doyle

NORMAL – In about four months of alcohol sales at Hancock Stadium and Redbird Arena it has been smooth sailing, according to Illinois State University Athletic Director Larry Lyons.

ISU announced in July it would offer beer and wine sales at general concession stands in both venues.

Lyons said sales numbers are still being looked at after the football season, but he says the goal of offering alcohol purchases is to provide a better fan experience.

The athletic department tracks alcohol related complaints and during the football season there were only two.

“I was very pleased that there was very little flack and you really didn’t even notice alcohol was being sold,” said Lyons.

In the 10 member Missouri Valley Conference, ISU is one of nine other schools that offers beer or wine sales at athletic events, according to the MVC office. Valparaiso is the only school that does not offer alcohol sales.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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