Beer and wine sales possible at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium
by February 12, 2014 3:41 pm 245 views
Woo Pig Sooie and pass the Merlot.
Beginning with the 2014 football season, club seat holders at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium may purchase beer and wine during Razorback football games if officials with the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control approve the application of Sodexo.
Sodexo, Inc., the concessionaire for Razorback Athletics, will sell beer and wine in the east indoor club, south indoor club and the indoor dining area of the south outdoor club. The license will restrict sales to beer and wine only, with no mixed drinks or other types of alcoholic beverages permitted.
The University of Arkansas will become the eighth institution in the Southeastern Conference where alcohol is made available in stadium club areas for an on-campus sporting event, according to a statement from the University of Arkansas Athletic Public Relations Office.
“We are pleased that beginning in 2014, our club seat holders at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium will be offered a new service that they have been requesting,” Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Jeff Long said in the statement. “Working with Sodexo, Razorback fans who are of legal age will be able to have the opportunity to purchase beer and wine in designated indoor club seating areas. We are pleased that Sodexo will be able to utilize its expertise developed through implementing and coordinating similar programs around the country.”
The purchase, consumption and possession of alcohol will be restricted to patrons 21 years of age or older in limited areas. No sales or consumption of alcohol will be permitted in outdoor seating sections or other public areas consistent with Southeastern Conference policy. Sodexo will be responsible to coordinate all beer and wine sales consistent with best practices and applicable laws and policies related to age verification, purchasing limits, the duration of alcohol sales on game day and any legal requirements. A complete list of policies and information will be sent to club ticket holders prior to the 2014 season.
Sodexo also has submitted applications to the ABC for Bud Walton Arena and Baum Stadium, although no plans exist to sell alcohol at those venues, according to the UA.
Beer and wine will not be sold in other areas of the stadium, including the main seating bowl, because SEC policy prohibits the sale of alcohol in general seating areas and public areas of on-campus venues.