Alcohol Finds a Permanent Home at Gopher Football Games

Following a two-year trial run, the University of Minnesota is set to permanently implement alcohol sales at  TCF Bank Stadium for Gopher football games. According to report filed by the Board of Regents, U of M officials found “no significant increase” in alcohol-related incidents during home games in 2012 and 2013. In fact, a study shows the number of incidents dropped from 77 alcohol-related incidents in 2010, before beer and wine sales, to 59 in 2013, according to the report. This should come as no surprise to anyone who has been in college and attended a home-football game of their university. If there aren't alcohol sales in the game, students are likely to drink prior to the game. And drink they will. A brutish sentiment at these pregame drinking gatherings is often "liquor is quicker." While U of M officials once took a firm stance against alcohol sales on their campus venue over concern of a drinking student body, in July, the two-year trial period for beer and wine sales ends -- moving forward, the U of M will ask the legislature to permit further sales. And when it comes to athletics and major universities, one theme is often overlooked: profit. According to the Star Tribune, the university took in $181,678 as its share of the profits on just over $1 million in beer and wine sales during the 2013 season. The report concluded the alcohol sales had no negative effect on surrounding neighborhoods, presumably because of increased police presence on game days. The report also notes college drinking has always been a problem nationwide, especially on game days -- they are wise enough to admit college students will drink whether or not alcohol is sold at TCF Bank Stadium. In other words, university officials acknowledge that alcohol can be obtained and consumed even if it isn't sold at the stadium. The power of logic can go a long way.   Photos via: gamedayr.com and Star Tribune