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Alcohol sales expected to be discussed at SEC Spring Meetings

by:Jack Pilgrim05/25/19

Will Kentucky fans be able to purchase beer at Kroger Field moving forward? It’s now a possibility.

According to Ross Dellenger of Sports Illustrated, the decades-old bylaw prohibiting SEC schools from selling alcohol in general seating areas at athletic venues will be up for discussion at the league’s annual spring meetings in Destin, Florida next week.

“Many of the conference’s high-ranking administrators are optimistic that league presidents will not only seriously discuss the alcohol ban but will overturn an archaic policy that exists in no other major conference,” Dellenger said. “The bylaw will be “front and center” during the four-day event at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Resort, says one athletic director; another AD says it’s “the main thing.” The administrators spoke to Sports Illustrated on a condition of anonymity.”

Last season, Arizona, Oregon, Boston College, Oklahoma State, and Colorado allowed alcohol sales in both general seating and premium areas, while Illinois, Rutgers, Oklahoma, and Texas Tech will be doing the same this fall. Over 55 Football Bowl Subdivision programs also serve alcohol throughout their respective stadiums.

According to the report, “many” of those schools and venues made the change due to the opportunity for “an additional revenue stream, fewer reported binge drinking incidents and an enhanced game-day experience that boosts attendance.”

With the SEC’s attendance average of 73,994 being the lowest since 2002 and nearly 5,000 below the conference average in 2015, they may opt for a similar change moving forward.

Would you support the decision?

(Sports Illustrated)

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