The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics announced a couple of weeks ago that Memorial Stadium and State Farm Center will soon have beer for sale, and beginning this weekend you’ll be able to purchase it at Illinois Field as well. A welcome addition, in my opinion. Beer and baseball are friends.
Here are all of the details from fightingillini.com:
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. –The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) will sell beer at the remainder of its home baseball games beginning Friday, April 19 against Penn State. Beer will be sold at the concession stand.
Illinois Field first sold beer during last year’s Bleacher Bum BBQ when more than 3,000 fans came out to see Illinois play Ohio State on a Friday night. Unlike last year’s Bleacher Bum, beer will now be allowed throughout the facility instead of confined to a tented area.
DIA’s concessionaire, Spectra, will be responsible for maintaining the liquor license for all DIA venues, along with coordinating the proper training of concession workers for beer sales. Beer will be priced at $5 and $6.
The below policies will be among those enforced as part of a complete alcohol management plan:
Valid ID is required for purchase. All guests must be 21 years of age to purchase alcoholic beverages.
A limit of two beers purchased at one time per legal ID.
Outside drinks will no longer be permitted at Illinois Field.
Beer sales will be suspended after the middle of the seventh inning.
Beer will be sold in aluminum cans and bottles. Recycling receptacles will be available around the facility.
DIA previously announced that it will add beer to public concession options in general seating areas at Memorial Stadium and State Farm Center beginning in the fall of 2019.
“We are continually looking for ways to improve fan engagement and augment our in-game fan experience,” said UI Director of Athletics Josh Whitman. “The opportunity to purchase beer at our events was the number one request in a postseason survey of our football ticket holders. Fans indicated beer sales would encourage their use of purchased tickets and would increase the length of time they stayed in the stands. Schools with public beer sales generally see fewer alcohol-related issues. We have spoken with several peer institutions offering beer to ensure we are following best practices for implementing this change. We have studied the issue extensively and, with the collaboration and support of our colleagues in various offices across campus, we feel now is the right time to add this new element to our game-day experience.”
Photo from fightingillini.com