The Illinois State Athletics Department announced today that it will offer beer and wine sales at public concession stands in general seating areas at Hancock Stadium and Redbird Arena beginning in the fall of 2019. Plans to allow beer sales at Adelaide Street Field, Marian Kneer Stadium and Duffy Bass Field are also being finalized.
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A wider selection of beer, wine, and mixed drinks will continue to be sold only in premium club/suite areas of the stadium and arena. The expansion of beer and wine sales was vetted and supported by the ISU administration, as well as other key internal campus and student government stakeholders. In addition, the NCAA Executive Council recently approved alcohol sales at NCAA Championship events.
“We have done our homework in reviewing the local, regional and national landscape regarding public alcohol sales at intercollegiate athletic events and have shared this information with our campus and student leadership,” Illinois State Director of Athletics Larry Lyons said. “Offering public alcohol sales is becoming the norm and will provide an improved game day experience at Redbird athletic events for our patrons. We expect our Redbird fan base will welcome and respond favorably to this enhancement of our food and beverage offerings at selected home contests. We also expect them to enjoy the new beverage choices in a responsible manner.”
Sodexo, ISU Athletics’ concession and catering partner, will be responsible for managing the game day operations and will incorporate beer and wine into their beverage menus. They will utilize established best practices that will be incorporated into athletic event policies and procedures prior to the fall 2019 season commencing.
Illinois State has served alcoholic beverages at football games in premium seating locations inside Hancock Stadium since its renovation in 2013.
