Tennessee football: Neyland Stadium beer sales will begin in time for BYU game

Ryan Wilusz
Knoxville
  • Beer will be available at Neyland Stadium well in time for SEC play but not for the first game.
  • Beer will be sold throughout the stadium at concession stands and kiosks, and wine will be available at select areas.
  • The announcement came two days after Vanderbilt announced its plans to sell beer this season.
  • Both a designated driver program and ride share program will be in place this season.

University of Tennessee football fans will be able to purchase beer at Neyland Stadium in time for SEC play but not for the season opener Aug. 31.

The university has decided to implement beer sales at the stadium starting Sept. 7 for the game against BYU. 

In a news release, Athletic Director Phillip Fulmer called the current game day experience at Neyland Stadium “historic and unrivaled.” However, he feels the new concession options will help make that experience even better.

“I appreciate everyone whose efforts have helped us develop what we believe is a comprehensive and responsible plan for alcohol sales at home football games,” he said.

'Historic and unrivaled':Sports Illustrated names Neyland one of the greatest stadiums in college football history

Why not sell beer at the first game?

In recent weeks, an alcohol task force appointed by UT-Knoxville Chancellor Donde Plowman and composed of campus officials has been developing policies to make sure alcohol is served responsibly.

The task force policies were more about implementing a plan already created by vending company Aramark and approved by the city beer board.

So why not sell beer for the first game? Well, for one, the university doesn’t have to.

“Beginning alcohol sales isn’t tied to the beginning of a season,” UT-Knoxville spokeswoman Tyra Haag said in a text message. “It’s about implementing sales in a thoughtful manner. The season opener is an opportunity to educate and communicate important information to close to 100,000 fans before implementation.”

Decision made after alcohol test at TBA

Beer will be sold throughout the stadium at concession stands and kiosks but not near the student section. Wine will be sold in the Tennessee Terrace, as well as the East and West Clubs, the release said. 

Alcohol sales will begin two hours prior to kickoff when the stadium's gates open. Sales will end when the third quarter ends, per the SEC’s new guidelines, and staff will be on hand at gates to make sure no alcohol leaves the stadium.

For those who don’t drink alcohol or are just trying to drink responsibly, complimentary water will be available at large tanks in the concourse.

The university tested beer sales Aug. 3 during an Alice Cooper concert at Thompson-Boling Arena, and everything appeared to go smoothly — minus two people who were arrested for public intoxication.

“Two arrests for a concert of that type at TBA is not uncommon,” UT Police Department spokeswoman Lola Alapo said in a text message.

But Neyland Stadium is one of the largest stadiums in the world, with a roughly 102,000-person capacity that's five times the size of Thompson-Boling — which was far from sold out Aug. 3.

Still, the university feels it has what it takes to pull off beer sales on game days.

“We remain committed to providing a safe, positive and family-friendly atmosphere in our venues and have measures in place to assure that standard is met,” Fulmer said.

Most SEC schools have made a decision about alcohol sales, including Vanderbilt, which announced earlier this week that beer will be available at its season opener. 

Finalizing the alcohol menu 

Only two alcohol beverages can be purchased at a time. At the concert, the five beers and one spiked seltzer available ranged in size from 16 to 25 ounces and in price — either $12 or $13.

Haag said the menu for Neyland Stadium is not finalized, but the most common option will be a 24-ounce beer for $12. Each beer will be poured into a clear cup.

Everyone must show a valid photo ID each time they try to purchase beer, and there’s a chance they could have to show it again. People who appear to be younger than 21 could be asked by stadium personnel to prove their age with an ID.

Anyone who attempts to use a fake ID will be ejected and subject to prosecution, according to the release. The same goes for people who pass off alcohol to a minor or are intoxicated.

According to the news release, law enforcement officers and staff will be keeping an eye out for binge drinking and underage drinking. 

How you can be responsible 

Anyone who witnesses an alcohol-related issue — or any issue for that matter — can text VOLS and the issue to 69050 to alert staff.

The fan information booth at Gate 21 will have a place for people to register as designated drivers. Guests must pledge not to drink and provide their name, driver’s license number, contact info and seat info.

In return, they get a wristband and a voucher for a free water or soda.

A designated ride-share area will also be set up on Circle Drive near Ayres Hall.