Alcohol had previously only been available in suites at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial StadiumGETTY IMAGES
Oklahoma Senior Associate AD/External Operations Kenny Mossman said that security measures at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium "have been taken to reflect" the school's change in policy regarding alcohol sales this season, according to Joe Mussatto of the OKLAHOMAN. Beer was "available at OU basketball, baseball and softball games earlier this year as part of a pilot program." The university BOR "approved the sale of alcohol at football games in May," after former OU President David Boren in '15 "dismissed the idea of widespread beer sales at football games." Alcohol had "previously only been available in suites." The regents "shifted course" when former OU President Jim Gallogly was in office prior to his retirement in May. But OU AD Joe Castiglione said that "fans caused the change." In '18, 52 FBS programs "offered beer at football games." Meanwhile, the Oklahoma State police department through five home football games last season "saw a decrease in 'alcohol contacts' from the previous year when beer wasn't sold at Boone Pickens Stadium" (OKLAHOMAN, 8/29).
ALL HANDS ON DECK: Texas A&M will begin selling beer and wine to the general public at Kyle Field for tonight's season opener against Texas State, and THE ATHLETIC's Andy Staples writes alcohol sales will be the "result of a hectic summer spent making sure it will be possible to slake the combined thirst of a crowd expected to top 100,000." Food and beverage staff at the stadium that "numbered about 1,500 for last year's season finale against LSU will grow to about 1,800" for tonight's game. Concessionaire Levy "built draft beer bars into some concourses and will use portable stands in other areas" (THEATHLETIC.com, 8/29).
ON TAP: In New Jersey, Keith Sargeant reports Gourmet Dining "signed a multi-year deal" with Rutgers to become the school's "new concessions vendor." Fans starting Friday at the UMass-Rutgers season opener at SHI Stadium "can purchase alcohol at concession stands in general-seating areas." The "price point" for wine is $11 while beer prices are "expected to range between $11 and $12" (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 8/29).
