The patio area will be separated for fans who are at least 21-years-old. Those who buy beer will be limited to two per purchase and are required to finish their beverage before leaving the sectioned-off area. Heather Lyke, EMU director of athletics, said in a news release that there are regulations in place to make sure the test run is safe.
"We are confident these steps will allow for controlled sales of beer without sacrificing the integrity of our educational mission,” Lyke said.
The university also stated that the presence of EMU Department of Public Safety officials will be increased in addition to more contracted security personnel, specifically in the beer patio area.
Eastern Michigan is the fifth school in the Mid-American Conference and one of more than 32 schools nationwide to sell beer at a football game. Lyke said the pilot program aims to bring in additional money to the athletic program.
“Athletic programs across the country are looking for alternate revenue streams for their institutions, while enhancing the game-day experience for fans, and the sale of alcohol has been an increasing part of that dynamic,” Lyke said.
Ball State is not one of the MAC schools that participates in beer sales.
Jack Bernacchi, a senior at Ball State, said he likes the idea having beer at a football game and wants Ball State to follow suit.
“It’s a great way to draw a crowd and give college students a good time,” Bernacchi said. “We have an awesome area for it, that grass area over there. Put in a beer garden, it would be killer.”
Alex Faerber, a senior communications student, said it might be tough to make it happen here, but he thinks beer sales could help increase attendance.
“I think it’s something they should look into because I think that would also bring in more people to the games because most people just go to drink and when you can’t drink there, people are like ‘I’ll just pass.’”
Beer sales at Rynearson Stadium will start at 1:30 p.m. and run until the end of the third quarter for $7 a glass.
As for Ball State, the university said it has never considered the idea of selling beer at football games.
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