In Richmond, Wayne Epps Jr. notes VCU will "introduce beer sales at all men's basketball home games and select other VCU athletic events" as part of "new hospitality upgrades." Concessionaire Spectra will "handle the beer sales." This comes almost three weeks after the Univ. of Richmond announced it would "begin selling beer to the general public at its men's basketball games this season, pending approval from the Virginia ABC." Other upgrades planned for VCU's Siegel Center include "renovations to the northwest corner hospitality area, with graphics, a TV and additional space." The area will be "called the Platinum Dock and will be accessible by Platinum Society donors during halftime" (RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH, 10/30).
BELK'S NEW BEER GARDEN: In Charlotte, David Scott noted Davidson's Belk Arena has "undergone some significant upgrades in time for men's basketball season." Some of the upgrades include a "new LED lighting system, Wi-Fi access throughout the arena and beer on tap in an open-air, standing room concourse that will also have large-screen televisions." Davidson also is "offering new ticket options, including on-court seating and on the concourse in a 'beer garden' atmosphere" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 10/30).
GETTING A BOOST: In Tampa, Matt Baker noted Florida State's football-specific facility, which opens in '21, will be named after Al and Judy Dunlap, who made a $20M donation. FSU announced the donation Saturday as part of the school's $100M "fundraising campaign." Including previous donations, the Dunlaps' donations top $40M, "all from a Northern couple with no previous ties to the school" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 10/28).
MISSISSIPPI GEM: Mississippi State AD John Cohen said that the school's new Dudy Noble Field is the "best of its kind in college baseball." Cohen said, "I had a GM from the major leagues come and tour this and tell me it's the best amateur baseball facility in the entire world. It's a beautiful facility and our fans are going to really enjoy it, our players are going to enjoy playing in it" (WJTV.com, 10/27).
