Starting with the '19 football season, beer will be available at Illinois' Memorial StadiumGETTY IMAGES
The Univ. of Illinois will "add beer to public concession options in general seating areas at Memorial Stadium and State Farm Center" beginning this fall, according to Joey Wagner of the Decatur HERALD & REVIEW. It is possible that Illinois will "offer public beer sales for the final three Big Ten baseball series at Illinois Field this spring." Beer availability at softball games is "expected to begin" in '20. Illinois will join five other Big Ten schools "selling beer in-stadium" this fall, and now more than 50 of the 129 D-I programs allow "in-stadium alcohol sales to the general public." Beginning with the '19 football season, beer "will be available at several general stands around Memorial Stadium and the other facilities." A wider selection of beer, wine and mixed drinks "will continue to be sold only in premium club/suite areas of the stadium and arena." A portion of revenues generated by the increased sales "will help pay for additional police officers and other additional security measures at home football games" (Decatur HERALD & REVIEW, 4/3). In Chicago, Shannon Ryan writes nothing except winning is "going to solve Illinois’ attendance problem," but the athletic department has "come to its senses" with the alcohol decision. This was a "smart move that will help attendance and boost revenue" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 4/3).
