The governance and policy committee of the Univ. of Minnesota's Board of Regents on Friday "will discuss a proposal to allow licensing and sponsorships by alcoholic beverage companies, as well as production of alcoholic beverages by the university," according to Rachel Blount of the Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE. The discussion "could open the door to beer ads at TCF Bank Stadium, university-branded microbrews and campus cultural events sponsored by wineries, perhaps as soon as next fall." The current policy "forbids alcohol sponsorships and promotions." UM VP/University Relations Matt Kramer will lead a presentation at the meeting "outlining changes that could bring an estimated $300,000 per year to Gophers sports." The Regents "could vote on the proposal," which has been endorsed by UM President Joan Gabel, "at their next meeting Feb. 11-12." Blount notes UM has allowed alcoholic beverages to be sold at TCF Bank Stadium since '12. Last year, the Regents "voted to expand alcohol sales to general seating areas at Williams Arena and 3M Arena at Mariucci, after previously allowing it in premium seating." But the Regents "maintained the ban on alcohol marketing and trademark use." That taboo has been "fading as more universities ... seek ways to generate more cash." More than 130 of 200 higher-education clients of Learfield IMG College "now accept alcohol sponsorship licensing agreements." In the Big Ten, only Minnesota, the Univ. of Wisconsin and Penn State "do not allow such deals" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 12/11).
