The University of Maine is making significant changes to its athletic department, thanks to the generous donation of $90 million from the Harold Alfond Foundation. This donation has allowed for the upgrading of UMaine’s athletic facilities, as well as a record-setting $12 million fundraising campaign. The result is improved conditions for both student-athletes and fans at the state university.

However, there is one decision by UMaine that seems to be out of step with the rest of the improvements – the university’s decision not to sell beer at Alfond Arena during men’s and women’s hockey games. This decision is puzzling, considering the university’s commitment to enhancing the fan experience and generating revenue.

UMaine athletic administrators have stated that they are assessing all possibilities to enhance the game day experience at Alfond Arena, including the sale of alcohol. Eric Gordon, UMaine’s director of communications, highlighted the recent improvements to the arena, such as high-definition video and LED boards, a modernized sound system, and electronic signage. He also mentioned that new food and beverage options are under consideration.

It is worth noting that alcohol is already available to certain fans at UMaine hockey games, such as those who purchase luxury boxes. Additionally, there is a beer tent at UMaine football games and alcohol is available at the Cross Insurance Center for basketball games. This inconsistency in alcohol availability for different segments of the fan base does not seem fair.

In comparing UMaine to other schools in its conference, it becomes clear that the university is lagging behind in this regard. Only three out of the 11 teams in the Hockey East men’s division, including UMaine, do not offer beer to the public at home games. This is a significant departure from the trend of adding alcohol sales to hockey arenas based on the success of pilot programs for other sports.

Other athletic directors from schools that have implemented beer and wine sales at their arenas have praised the move. They have seen it as a “home run” and a “win-win” for both the institution and the fans. Establishing a relationship with local breweries has created a healthy connection between the university and the community.

In the end, college hockey is a business and in order to stay competitive, it is important to provide fans with the best game-day experience possible. This includes offering beer and wine sales at games. UMaine has the opportunity to continue its proactive approach and positive momentum by adding these sales to Alfond Arena. It is time for the university to make this change and ensure that all fans have access to this amenity.

Title: A Refreshing Change: Beer and Wine Sales at College Sports Games

Introduction:

College sports games have always been a hub of excitement, not only for the athletes but also for the enthusiastic fans who come to support their teams. In recent years, universities have started to explore new avenues to enhance the overall experience for attendees. One such avenue is the inclusion of beer and wine sales at the game venues, which has shown promising results in terms of revenue generation and increased fan attendance. In this blog post, we will delve into this intriguing trend and the potential benefits it offers to both the sports programs and the fans.

A Win-Win Situation for All:

Traditionally, universities have been slightly hesitant when it comes to selling alcohol at sporting events, due to concerns about unruly fan behavior. However, recent success stories have shown that the advantages of introducing beer and wine sales outweigh the associated risks. By providing a wider range of options for fans, colleges are opening their doors to a diverse audience with different interests. This leads to larger crowds witnessing the games, thereby boosting the overall experience for the student-athletes.

Financial Gains and Game-Changers:

While not a game-changer in terms of revenue generation, the introduction of beer and wine sales at Boston College’s Conte Forum was still a valuable income source. However, at the 44,500-seat Alumni Stadium, the addition of alcohol sales provided a substantial leap in revenues. This development not only benefits the sports programs themselves but also has a positive impact on the university’s finances as a whole.

A Responsible Approach:

One of the concerns associated with serving alcohol at college sports games is the possibility of unruly behavior from fans. However, universities that have implemented this change have reported no major issues thus far. By enforcing limitations on the number of drinks that can be purchased at a time, institutions ensure a responsible approach and minimize the risk of disruptive behavior. Additionally, the cost of these beverages serves as a deterrent for excessive consumption, especially for college students mindful of their budgets.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the inclusion of beer and wine sales at college sports game venues brings numerous benefits, both in terms of revenue generation and fan experience. The success stories of Boston College and other institutions reassure us that this change can be implemented responsibly and with positive results. As fans continue to seek newer and more engaging experiences, it is essential for universities to adapt and cater to their preferences. Therefore, it is crucial for institutions to seriously consider introducing beer and wine sales at college sports games and offer this refreshing change to their attendees. So, the next time you head out to support your favorite team, you might just be able to enjoy your favorite beverage alongside the thrilling gameplay.