UT to enact alcohol sales at Saturday's game

For the first time ever, University of Tennessee, Knoxville football game attendees will be able to purchase alcohol in public areas in Neyland Stadium.

The decision to implement alcohol sales was made on July 16. UT then announced this information on Aug. 16. Alcohol sales will go into effect during the home game against Brigham Young University on Saturday, Sept. 7.

“I appreciate everyone whose efforts have helped us develop what we believe is a comprehensive and responsible plan for alcohol sales at home football games,” UT Athletics Director Phillip Fulmer said.

Chancellor Donde Plowman appointed a group to decide how to ensure the safety of the public when alcohol is present. The group worked with the official vendor for the games, Aramark, to develop rules and policies.

People of legal drinking age can only purchase a maximum of two alcoholic beverages per transaction. Additionally, regardless of age, you must present a valid photo ID. Furthermore, each alcoholic beverage must be in a clear cup.

On Sept. 5, two days before the game, Vice-Chancellor Carilli sent an announcement to students about safety and rules involving alcohol during the game.

Carilli reminded students to stay hydrated due to the heat. Aramark will only sell beer in 24-ounce servings. Also, game attendees can find a designated ride-share area on Circle Drive near Ayres Hall.

UT joins a list of five other Southeastern Conference, or SEC, schools that sell alcohol at select sporting events.

The SEC decided in the spring of 2019 that campuses could make the decision to sell alcohol during sports events. Currently, home football games are the only UT sporting event selling alcohol on campus.

Alcohol sales will begin two hours before the game starts and will stop at the end of the third quarter.

Edited by Ciera Noe and Ainsley Kelso

Featured image by raw pixels.com, courtesy of Creative Commons