Arkansas Approves Alcohol Sales in Donald W. Reynolds for 2019
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Arkansas AD Hunter Yurachek was part of the SEC commission to determine whether alcohol sales should be expanded to public areas of stadiums this season and what the cost/benefits of that would be so it was only a matter of time before the Chancellor approved the move for Fayetteville in 2019.
Though some schools have decided not to move forward including Georgia and South Carolina, others like LSU have already approved alcohol sales for 2019.
Alcoholic beverages at Razorback football games have been available since 2014, but previously have only been available in suites and private club areas. The program will now be expanded to create availability for the purchase of beer and wine to fans 21 years or older within designated public areas in and around the stadium.
According to the UA, War Memorial Stadium also anticipates expanding alcohol sales program for Razorback Football games. No decision has been made concerning the expansion of alcohol sales to other on-campus athletics venues, including Bud Walton Arena and Baum-Walker Stadium.
“By expanding our established alcoholic beverages program to include the sale of beer and wine in public areas of Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, we are building on an already successful model while furthering the fan experience in a responsible way,” Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Hunter Yurachek said. “Working in coordination with campus officials and within established guidelines adopted by the SEC, we will now be able to offer this gameday amenity as an option to fans while working to further educate University of Arkansas students and the general public about safe and responsible consumption.
“We are implementing a number of corresponding initiatives aimed at preventing underage consumption and promoting responsible choices, including a ‘We ID Program,” and a designated driver and rideshare program. In many cases at other power 5 conference institutions, alcohol-related incidents at events have decreased following the introduction of a formal alcohol sales and educational program. As with other gameday options, we realize individuals will ultimately make their own choices on whether to utilize these expanded opportunities. Our focus will be continuing to work with campus officials, UAPD, the SEC and others to ensure that fans of all ages can enjoy their gameday experience.”
MORE FROM THE UA
A new program will allow fans to get a gameday discount from Lyft when using the rideshare service at Razorback Football games. A designated driver awareness program will also be implemented, encouraging fans to plan ahead on transportation options if they wish to consume alcohol on game day.
Alcohol will not be allowed in the University of Arkansas student seating section, located in the lower east grandstand of the stadium. Beer and wine sale kiosks will also not be located in the immediate proximity of the student section. In addition, a portion of the proceeds from alcohol sales will be designated for use by the University of Arkansas’ Division of Student Affairs for alcohol related education and programming for university students.
“We have confidence in the many mechanisms being put in place to ensure that sales are limited to those 21 years or older as well as supporting responsible consumption for those who are allowed to purchase beer and wine,” Senior Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students Melissa Harwood-Rom said. “We begin educating our students about the effects of alcohol and how to act or intervene in alcohol-related situations from the time they first arrive on campus, so the proceeds from sales designated to support our educational efforts will be put to good use.”
Razorback Athletics will work with its concessionaire partner Levy to implement the expanded program, including training for gameday staff related to SEC alcohol management guidelines, University policy and state and local regulations governing alcohol sales and consumption. All servers will be trained to identify public intoxication in order to refuse service to any fan who appears impaired. Security personnel reserve the right to eject or arrest fans who are intoxicated or share alcoholic beverages with minors.
As has been the case in previous seasons, fans are encouraged to report any unruly behavior or in-game security or guest services concerns to stadium and law enforcement personnel by texting the keyword “HOGS,” your specific message and stadium location to 69050.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where can fans buy beer and wine?
There will be approximately 12 locations inside Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium where fans can purchase beer and wine in public areas in addition to the pre-existing locations inside club areas. The locations will be located throughout the stadium on the east, west and south concourses with the exception of the east concourse near the student section.
Fans may also access locations on the top level deck of the south end zone. Beginning with the 2019 season, the south end zone deck is a general admission area open to any fan that has a ticket or a wristband for the stadium.
Will beer and wine be sold by vendors in seating sections of the stadium?
No. Beer and wine will be sold only at designated locations on the concourse and throughout the stadium.
May I take my alcoholic beverage back to my seating area?
Yes, with the exception of the student sectionlocated on the lower east side grandstand of the stadium. Alcohol will not be permitted within the student section.
Will alcohol be permitted inside the University of Arkansas student section?
No. Alcohol will not be permitted within the student section located in the lower east grandstand of the stadium. University students, 21 years and older, may purchase beer and wine, but may not bring it into the student section. An alternative area has been designated for University students 21 years and older on the south end zone deck, which also serves as a general admission area open to any fan that has a ticket or wristband for the stadium.
Will fans need to show their ID every time they purchase?Yes. Identification checks will be required of every person at the point of each sale.
How many alcoholic beverages may I purchase per visit?A limit of two servings per person will be allowed in each transaction.
How long will alcohol be available to purchase?Sales of alcohol will be halted at the end of the third quarter of the game.
How will the prices of alcoholic beverages be determined?
Prices for beer and wine options will vary, but will be consistent with prices previously introduced in private club areas.
How will the alcohol be served?Per SEC guidelines, all alcoholic beverages will be served in plastic cups.
Will the original cans and bottles be recycled?
Yes. All cans and bottles will be recycled through a partnership with the University of Arkansas Sustainability Department.
Are there alcohol awareness educational components tied to this launch?
Yes. Razorback Athletics has committed a percentage of proceeds from the sale of alcohol at games to the University of Arkansas’ Office of Student Affairs for additional educational programming for university students related to alcohol.
Are there alternative post-game transportation options for fans who consume alcohol at the game?
Yes. A Safe Ride Program has been implemented to help ensure Razorback fans arrive to their destination safely after the game. The program will offer a $5 discount for each home game for users. Lyft users will be able to be picked up or dropped off near the student union on campus before, during and after the game. Razorback Athletics is also implementing a Designated Driver program to educate and encourage fans to plan ahead to ensure a safe trip home.
Will alcohol sales be expanded to other Arkansas Athletics venues?
Expansion of alcohol sales to other Arkansas Athletics venues is under review. Decisions on whether to implement alcohol sales in public areas at Bud Walton Arena, Baum-Walker Stadium and other athletics venues will be made at a later date.
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