Univ. of Minnesota administrators "believe that adult beverages should flow as freely in the stands at Gophers basketball and men’s hockey games as in the suites," according to a front-page piece by Rochelle Olson of the Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE. UM President Eric Kaler sent a memo to the BOR last week, asking them to "permit wine and beer sales to those sitting in general admission at Williams and Mariucci arenas." Kaler wrote that he "'strongly' supports expanded sales, 'given the intensely competitive sports entertainment market we have in the Twin Cities.'" The request for more alcohol sales is an "attempt to address slumping ticket sales and revenue." Poor attendance led to the school announcing last week that some season-ticket prices would be dropped for men’s hockey and basketball. UM began selling beer and wine in both premium and general seating areas during football games at TCF Bank Stadium in '12. At Williams Arena and 3M Arena at Mariucci, alcohol has been available "only in premium seating." UM BOR member Michael Hsu said, “We have to be competitive with other venues." But Hsu and other members also said that they "need more information and want to make sure things won’t get too wild" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 4/24).
