UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- During its regular meeting on Thursday, May 5, the Penn State Board of Trustees Committee on Legal and Compliance unanimously recommended a plan proposed by Intercollegiate Athletics (ICA) to make alcohol available in a limited capacity at specific events on the University Park campus. The issue was initially discussed by the committee in February. The proposal will be taken up by the full board on May 6.
If the board approves, the action will grant University officials permission to prepare for and implement the service of alcoholic beverages at certain ICA events only in private, controllable spaces, such as suites and club seats, as well as reception areas. The service of alcohol is not being considered for general seating areas, including student sections, during ICA events.
Net proceeds from alcohol sales at ICA events would be distributed among Student Affairs for student alcohol education programming; ICA; and Auxiliary and Business Services.
“Penn State has always advocated for responsible consumption of alcohol for those who are of legal drinking age,” said David Gray, senior vice president for Finance and Business. “We believe that, in a controlled environment where there are strict limits and restrictions built into the system, that those of legal age to drink will respond appropriately and responsibly. We also believe that educating our student population to be more responsible should be a fundamental part of this initiative.”
Additionally, if the board approves, the action will grant permission for officials to begin the process of implementing controlled alcoholic beverage sales throughout certain athletic facilities hosting non-ICA events, such as concerts and professional sporting events, due to the unique nature of the events. Officials said alcohol sales to the general public will be limited to beer and wine, under tightly regulated conditions.
“It is common practice among Penn State’s peers to allow for the sale of alcohol for attracting headlining performing acts and major, professional sporting events to athletic venues. In fact, our venues have been at a disadvantage in gaining the sign-on of such attractions, and it is possible to have alcohol served in a safe and responsible manner,” Gray said.
“In the private areas of our athletics venues, such as the suites, there is a request for alcohol service and, in benchmarking against other facilities across the country we have seen that controlling the service with trained personnel is key to responsible sale and consumption. The plan is to have certified servers in these areas who also are trained in intervention.”
Penn State Athletic Director Sandy Barbour said that, if approved by the board on May 6, implementation of the plan will bring Penn State into line with the majority of the Big Ten Conference – 10 of the conference’s other 13 institutions offer alcoholic beverages in athletic facilities.
“Those engaging in private and premium seating experiences expect hospitality to include alcoholic beverage service, similar to those in comparable facilities in other markets,” Barbour said. “We believe, because of this, we will find new revenue in the value of the opportunity to purchase alcohol more so than the sale of alcohol itself.”
If the board approves, implementation may not occur immediately because of infrastructure considerations in all ICA facilities that will be under review for potential sales and distribution. The University currently holds licenses to serve alcoholic beverages at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park and at the Bryce Jordan Center for certain non-ICA events. Under the plan, ICA will seek licenses to set up controlled service at Beaver Stadium, Pegula Ice Arena, and the Penn State Golf Courses, and may seek a license for Rec Hall at a later date.
The plan proposes the potential for sales at the following venues:
- Beaver Stadium -- For ICA events: Controlled sales are proposed for the Mount Nittany Club. Alcoholic beverages would be available by pre-order in private suites. For non-ICA events: Controlled sale of beer and wine would be allowed at select events, such as professional sporting events or concerts.
- Bryce Jordan Center – For ICA events: Controlled sales are proposed in club and private event space. Alcoholic beverages would be available by pre-order in private suites. For non-ICA events: In a continuation of a structured pilot program, the controlled sale of beer and wine will take place during select events, such as concerts.
- Pegula Ice Arena – For ICA events: Controlled sales are proposed for the Mount Nittany Club. Alcoholic beverages would be available by pre-order in private suites. For non-ICA events: Controlled sale of beer and wine would be allowed at select events, such as professional sporting events or concerts.
- Medlar Field at Lubrano Park – For ICA events: Alcoholic beverages would be available by pre-order in private suites. Service for non-ICA events already is in place at the park.
- Penn State Golf Courses – For non-ICA events: Service would be available to patrons from an on-course beverage cart. The plan also allows for service at private events at the on-course clubhouse, and at the 19th Hole Café, located in the clubhouse.
- Rec Hall – The board’s action allows University officials to consider the pursuit of a license to serve alcohol at a later date. If this were to take place in the future, the plan calls for the controlled sale of alcoholic beverages in private event space only.
For point-of-sale purchases in controlled areas, alcohol will be served by a licensed and insured caterer. Certified training in the service and sale of alcohol will be part of the program’s rollout, and clear messaging around responsible drinking and the prohibited practice of providing alcohol to minors will be posted throughout facilities. Service will conclude well before the end of any event, and all alcohol will remain in controlled areas for ICA events.