It’s time to party hardy for Sparty in East Lansing as Michigan State University announced Wednesday that alcohol sales will be allowed by school policy at its football stadium this season.
The university’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously at a meeting Wednesday to allow the sale of alcohol at Spartan Stadium — pending approval by state liquor authorities.
According to the Detroit News, the school has applied for a license allowing alcohol sales at four home games: future Big 10 conference foe Washington on Sept. 16, Maryland on Sept. 23, in-state rival Michigan on Oct. 21, and Nov. 4 against Nebraska.
The application excludes the first two home games against Central Michigan and Richmond due to logistical reasons, school spokesperson Emily Guerrant told the Lansing State Journal on Tuesday.
“We wanted to make sure that if people wanted to purchase alcohol in the stadium that we had the staffing to do it right, and that we had staff that was educated on how to serve alcohol in our stadiums and our arenas. So that was why we wanted to wait for the third home game, just to make sure we got it right,” school trustee Dennis Denno told the Detroit News.
Alcohol sales will start 60 minutes before kickoff and end 10 minutes into the third quarter. Each customer will be limited to two drinks per purchase.
Michigan State will become the 10th Big Ten school to offer alcohol throughout its stadium.
The move was not possible until the signing of bipartisan state legislation in July allowing alcohol sales at college sports competitions. In-state archrival Michigan has not yet approved alcohol sales.
School officials are selling the move as a way to blunt binge drinking among students and other fans.
“The actions we are taking today create a better fan experience for Spartans and those visiting our athletic venues. Amending our alcoholic beverage ordinance to limit alcohol-related incidents creates a more welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone,” Michigan State Board of Trustees Chair Rema Vassar said in a statement.
The school also plans to apply for alcohol sales at other sports facilities, including the Breslin Student Events Center, which hosts men’s and women’s basketball as well as volleyball, Old College Field, which hosts the baseball, softball and men’s and women’s soccer teams, and the Munn Ice Arena.
