SMU considers sale of beer at football, basketball games
MELISSA REPKO The Dallas Morning News
Staff Writer
10 October 2013
Southern Methodist University wants more cheers at athletic events.
In a move to boost attendance and revenue, the school is pushing to sell alcoholic beverages at football and basketball games. Fans could be able to buy a brew by early next year at Ford Stadium and Moody Coliseum.
The city of University Park has signed off on the idea, as have Dallas County and the state comptroller’s office.
The final hurdle is the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, though the university has yet to file for the required permit.
If one is approved, stadium neighbors — already concerned about game-day parking — could have another reason to complain.
On the SMU athletics website, athletic director Rick Hart wrote last week that alcohol sales are “something we are studying.â€
“As you are likely aware, the distribution of beer on a college campus encompasses a number of issues which must be properly vetted,†he wrote in an Oct. 4 column, responding to fan questions. “There is a possibility that we could introduce a controlled, responsible model as early as this January when Moody reopens†after a $47 million renovation.
SMU and other universities across the nation already sell alcohol in stadium clubs and suites. The NCAA allows alcohol sales at regular-season events, but restricts sales and advertising of the beverages during championships.
SMU would become the second university in Texas to sell alcohol for general consumption at sports events. The University of Houston sells beer at baseball, basketball, football and softball games. The University of Texas is considering alcohol sales at football, basketball and baseball games.
A buzz about alcohol sales gained momentum last year after a group of SMU students, faculty and alumni considered ways to attract more fans and dollars.
A popular suggestion, especially among students, was selling alcohol. Some students running for campus office made it part of their campaigns.
“It’s been an idea floating around for years,†said student body President Ramon Trespalacios. “It might have been out there even when I was a freshman.â€
Before each home game, football fans gather along SMU Boulevard near the stadium with tents, music, food and alcoholic beverages. It’s part of a tailgating tradition called “The Boulevard.â€
But SMU has struggled to move the pregame enthusiasm to the stands. Some students head to sports bars or house parties before kickoff, Trespalacios said, and others leave before games are over.
“In America, you usually have beer with sports,†he said. “It’s been a tradition for years. It would bring out fans from the area. It’d bring out students who usually go to the bar instead of a game.â€
Police say they don’t know how alcohol sales might affect fan behavior. SMU has its own force, which works with officers from the Park Cities.
Lita Snellgrove, a spokeswoman for the University Park police, said her department was unaware of SMU’s alcohol plans. But if problems were to arise, she said, police would increase their presence.
“Certainly if more incidents came up, we would have to look at ways to address our enforcement.â€
Southern Methodist University would be the second university in Texas to sell alcohol to fans in the stands. The University of Houston sells alcohol at games, and the University of Texas is considering alcohol sales.
Universities around the country — including West Virginia, Syracuse and Louisville — already sell alcohol at sports events. Others, including SMU, sell alcohol only in private clubs or suites.
The NCAA allows alcohol sales at regular-season sports events. It restricts sales and advertising of alcohol during its 88 championships, which include the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments.
http://www.dallasnews.com/news/communit ... -games.ece
