SAN MARCOS — Excitement is at an all-time high at Texas State as the Bobcats will host sixth-ranked Houston this Saturday at Bobcat Stadium. But in the stands, many fans are looking forward to something else: a new policy that will allow the sale of beer and wine at games.
Students told KVUE that they are excited about the new policy and believe that it will boost attendance at the games.
Texas State enacted the policy this spring at baseball games.
Stephen Stewart, the Chairman of Mothers Against Drunk Driving in Central Texas, is reminding students to be responsible and not to drive drunk.
"Get a designated driver. Make alternative transportation arrangements before the event even starts," Stewart said.
In a statement, Texas State Athletic Director Dr. Larry Teis said, "After careful consideration and the benchmarking of peer institutions, we have decided to expand beer and wine sales into Bobcat Stadium for home football games this season. We expect our students and fans to continue to exhibit the responsible behavior displayed over the course of our softball and baseball seasons. Similar to baseball and softball, this is an added service for our fans to enhance their stadium experience."
The Division I Council also announced April 18, 2018 their approval for alcohol sales at NCAA championships. However, the the council action isn't considered final until the board meeting closes on April 25.
Fans wishing to purchase beer or wine will be issued a wristband after they show a valid ID verifying that they are at least 21-years-old. Wristbands will be available at each point of purchase location, or in the west-side courtyard area after entering Gate 2.
Beer and wine sales will cease at the end of the third quarter and there will be a two drink maximum per order.
The University of Texas made close to one million dollars in alcohol sales for the first football season. After expenses, UT netted $812,798. UT started selling alcohol at football games last year after testing the program at basketball, baseball and softball games in 2014. They are now one of 40 schools across the country who sell beer at home football games.