Beer Sales at FCS schools

[Lexjacket]

I say don't do it. Then market Tech as the best place to bring a family to a ballgame. We don't need the money. We're getting plenty of money from TV and the conference. If they do this, I will no longer bring my family to the games. I'm a beer drinker, but I can do without more drunks at a ballgame. Some of these fans, (ours included) are obnoxious enough as it is!

If they ever sell beer that's the end of my going to the games. I'll become a Kennesaw Fighting Owl.

 

[daBuzz]

If they ever sell beer that's the end of my going to the games. I'll become a Kennesaw Fighting Owl.

See my post from earlier. It's already part of the ticket...aka, it's being sold...to club level seats.
Tell Bohannon we said hello!

LOL, just kidding.

 

[daBuzz]

is that how daBuzz keeps da buzz going?

Maybe if I went to games anymore. For the past 3 seasons, I have attended one game per year but I probably won't go to any this year. I have a family of GT fans (3 of their kids went to GT) to whom I give my tickets. So there's always someone in the seats.

I still buy my tickets and give my annual donation but I just haven't had the desire to go to the games for the past couple of years.

 

[Lexjacket]

See my post from earlier. It's already part of the ticket...aka, it's being sold...to club level seats.
Tell Bohannon we said hello!

LOL, just kidding.

They never get outside to their seats. In recent years I have had some really ugly experiences with Georgia Tech alumni and opposing fans. Drunks are always obnoxious, rude and profane. People can be nasty enough without pouring fuel (alcohol) on the fire. I stopped drinking 27 years ago, but before that I drank my share and 2 other peoples' share of adult beverages and NOTHING good came from it. By God's grace I didn't myself or other innocent people on the highways. I understand you were kidding daBuzz, but if they sell beer at BDS it will be a disaster.

 

[Northeast Stinger]

I say don't do it. Then market Tech as the best place to bring a family to a ballgame. We don't need the money. We're getting plenty of money from TV and the conference. If they do this, I will no longer bring my family to the games. I'm a beer drinker, but I can do without more drunks at a ballgame. Some of these fans, (ours included) are obnoxious enough as it is!

This is my concern also. Football can be a wonderful family togetherness event or it can become a nightmare. If someone could guarantee me that this would not change the atmosphere I would say go ahead. But I would hate to see the time when families could not come with children in tow because the stadium had become an outdoor bar.

 

[Buzztheirazz]

Just because some people can't handle their liquor and also can't handle people who get drunk, doesn't mean that everyone should be barred from getting a beer. Their will ALWAYS be drunks at football games. The other cases have shown that there would be no added instances from the selling of beer.

Change the archaic rule. Or allow in certain sections at least.

How about Sunday beer sales in GA? I would estimate that DUIs went down from the wahoos trying to get those last beers at 11:45 on sat night.

 

[Whiskey_Clear]

Beer sales, or lack of, on campus may be result of state law. If so any changes will likely involve UGA being allowed to and GT being banned from same

 

[Bruce Wayne]

Also, I think the rule is D-1 schools that play on campus. I remember buying drinks last time we played in Miami.

That rings a bell! I think there is some kind of rule like that where there cannot be general beer sales on a campus b/c of the issue of underage college kids drinking. Or some such nonsense.

I see plenty of kids in tow with the family at Turner Field or the Dome enjoying games even though beer is sold. Security and staff exist to kick out the rowdies already.

 

[DTGT]

Just because some people can't handle their liquor and also can't handle people who get drunk, doesn't mean that everyone should be barred from getting a beer. Their will ALWAYS be drunks at football games.

Regulate it, tax it, and profit.

All the studies and data show that on-site beer sales discourages binge drinking before the game. Problematic drunkenness has always declined.

Drunks are always obnoxious, rude and profane...I stopped drinking 27 years ago, but before that I drank my share and 2 other peoples' share of adult beverages and NOTHING good came from it.

I'm sorry to hear that you were obnoxious, rude and profane 27 years ago.

How drunk can you get off $10 beer? My wallet complains long before I get a decent buzz... When I know I'm going to a wet arena, I don't feel like I have to get loaded first. Then the prices always keep me from ordering more than 1 beer (because that one beer costs about the same as a 12-pack). Dry arenas are different; if I want a buzz I have to get it before entering.

I have always been more sober in a wet arena vs. a dry arena.

 

[CuseJacket]

Also, I think the rule is D-1 schools that play on campus. I remember buying drinks last time we played in Miami.

That rings a bell! I think there is some kind of rule like that where there cannot be general beer sales on a campus b/c of the issue of underage college kids drinking. Or some such nonsense.

I see plenty of kids in tow with the family at Turner Field or the Dome enjoying games even though beer is sold. Security and staff exist to kick out the rowdies already.

No, this is incorrect. Syracuse plays in an on-campus stadium and has been selling beer to all attendees 21 years older for 20+ years. This holds true at other schools too as has been pointed out by others and as stated in the ESPN article.

They never get outside to their seats. In recent years I have had some really ugly experiences with Georgia Tech alumni and opposing fans. Drunks are always obnoxious, rude and profane. People can be nasty enough without pouring fuel (alcohol) on the fire. I stopped drinking 27 years ago, but before that I drank my share and 2 other peoples' share of adult beverages and NOTHING good came from it. By God's grace I didn't myself or other innocent people on the highways. I understand you were kidding daBuzz, but if they sell beer at BDS it will be a disaster.

Honest question - is there something you think would be different at GT than other colleges that currently sell beer? What about GT compared to the Braves or Falcons? I don't consider any of those venues a disaster.

For what it's worth I think there are just as many fans carted/escorted out due to drunkeness at Bobby Dodd as there are at other events where alcohol sales are allowed. Just my opinion as I'm not sure there are stats to back that up.

 

[Animal02]

That rings a bell! I think there is some kind of rule like that where there cannot be general beer sales on a campus b/c of the issue of underage college kids drinking. Or some such nonsense.

I see plenty of kids in tow with the family at Turner Field or the Dome enjoying games even though beer is sold. Security and staff exist to kick out the rowdies already.

When I was at Tech - they used to have "college nights" for braves games. Free beer with a college I.D. in the parking lot for 2 hours before the game, and $1.00 admission. We would get there at 4:45 and be ten beers in by the time the crowds started to show.

I seem to recall some "no alcohol in campus stadiums" rule when I was in school. Basketball games at the Omni sold it, but not the ones on campus.

 

[CuseJacket]

When I was at Tech - they used to have "college nights" for braves games. Free beer with a college I.D. in the parking lot for 2 hours before the game, and $1.00 admission. We would get there at 4:45 and be ten beers in by the time the crowds started to show.

I seem to recall some "no alcohol in campus stadiums" rule when I was in school. Basketball games at the Omni sold it, but not the ones on campus.

This would make sense if it's due to Georgia law. The NCAA does not prohibit sales.

 

[Lexjacket]

That rings a bell! I think there is some kind of rule like that where there cannot be general beer sales on a campus b/c of the issue of underage college kids drinking. Or some such nonsense.

I see plenty of kids in tow with the family at Turner Field or the Dome enjoying games even though beer is sold. Security and staff exist to kick out the rowdies already.

When many people (not all but many) consume alcohol they lose control and become more profane, confrontational and obnoxiously silly. The alcohol abuse at college football games is already loosely controlled. I don't think I've ever been to a Tech game where I didn't get aroma wafts of Jack Daniels. The flasks are everywhere. I've witnessed Security and staff verbally abused and threatened with bodily harm. My wife and friends that I brought to the game (trying to make new Tech fans) were verbally abused and threatened by Georgia Tech Alumni because they were drunk. They did not need any more access to alcohol. It is selfish in the extreme to want to add more of a burden to security and staff because you want a beer/beers and mixed drinks. They are not your own personal bouncers. I think Tech's only hope to build fan base is to make the games a 'family' event. We need youth to be exposed to Georgia Tech and learn about the legacy of Georgia Tech. If you want to drink 'your whiskey clear'do it before or after the game or in a safe place where your not going to have drive drunk to get home.

 

[Buzztheirazz]

Lex-there's Marta, cabs and uber so responsible people don't have to drive home drunk. You are confusing the actions of a few with actions of everyone. You are generalizing your ability to handle alcohol and I'm guessing a few isolated incidents of drunken obnoxiousness, with the behavior of everyone who drinks. There are responsible people who drink.

I can personally consume a large amount of alcohol and not act like a buffoon. I've been doing it for 20 years and I'll continue to do it. I can guarantee you that I would drink less pre-game if I knew I could buy beers inside. And I would be inside earlier as well....

 

[Stinger90]

WVU sells alcohol in their on campus stadium

and it explains a lot about Western Virginia fans. I have been to a game there along with two bowl games (Our's and UNCheat) where all they did was to spill, drink and stumble over everyone to get more. I don't think they even watched the game except to sing their theme "John Denver" song.

When many people (not all but many) consume alcohol they lose control and become more profane, confrontational and obnoxiously silly. The alcohol abuse at college football games is already loosely controlled. I don't think I've ever been to a Tech game where I didn't get aroma wafts of Jack Daniels. The flasks are everywhere. I've witnessed Security and staff verbally abused and threatened with bodily harm. My wife and friends that I brought to the game (trying to make new Tech fans) were verbally abused and threatened by Georgia Tech Alumni because they were drunk. They did not need any more access to alcohol. It is selfish in the extreme to want to add more of a burden to security and staff because you want a beer/beers and mixed drinks. They are not your own personal bouncers. I think Tech's only hope to build fan base is to make the games a 'family' event. We need youth to be exposed to Georgia Tech and learn about the legacy of Georgia Tech. If you want to drink 'your whiskey clear'do it before or after the game or in a safe place where your not going to have drive drunk to get home.

I hate that happen and would hate losing you because of a couple of bad apples. At the NCState game, it was so dang hot I couldn't phantom even wanting to drink alcohol. Some did and paid for it by getting carried out because being dehydrated. Needless to say after our lost, I drowned my sorrow at my buddy's house where I was staying at.

I don't have a problem with a person drinking a beer or two as long as they keep things in moderation. Heck, I'll drink a beer or so at the Grasshopper game here but not to the point that I forget my surroundings.

 

[Northeast Stinger]

Just because some people can't handle their liquor and also can't handle people who get drunk, doesn't mean that everyone should be barred from getting a beer. Their will ALWAYS be drunks at football games. The other cases have shown that there would be no added instances from the selling of beer.

Change the archaic rule. Or allow in certain sections at least.

How about Sunday beer sales in GA? I would estimate that DUIs went down from the wahoos trying to get those last beers at 11:45 on sat night.

On Sunday beer sales there is no correlation yet on DUIs and Sunday sales. One of the few things Georgia government has done right over the last six to seven years is increased law enforcement efforts to stem DUIs. As a result Georgia is something of an oasis in the South with rates of DUIs, and resulting deaths, both falling steadily during this time. MADD gives Georgia generally high marks compared to states like South Carolina and Alabama. Sunday sale of alcohol is still relatively new so we do not have data yet to see if it impacted the already falling rate one way or the other.

 

[Ggee87]

By banning beer sales in the stadium, its having the reverse intended effect. People are smuggling liquor into games and getting hammered. If you could purchase beer inside, folks may actually show up on time and not worry about smuggling liquor inside to keep their buzz.going. With TV making games last 4+ hours... you have alot of folks show up late and leave early. Just the way it is. Most Tech fans, I would imagine, arent HUGE drinkers in the 1st place so... I dont see this making a big difference.

 

[Northeast Stinger]

By banning beer sales in the stadium, its having the reverse intended effect. People are smuggling liquor into games and getting hammered. If you could purchase beer inside, folks may actually show up on time and not worry about smuggling liquor inside to keep their buzz.going. With TV making games last 4+ hours... you have alot of folks show up late and leave early. Just the way it is. Most Tech fans, I would imagine, arent HUGE drinkers in the 1st place so... I dont see this making a big difference.

On the one hand "you have a lot of people show up late and leave early" because TV "games last 4+" and apparently a lot of people cannot do without their drinks. On the other hand, "Most Tech fans .... aren't HUGE drinkers in the 1st place..."
I wonder which it is. They appear to be mutually exclusive phenomena.

I have not advocated a position yet on the drinking / no drinking in the stadium issue. But I am struck by how Tech people, who I always thought of as cold and rational when it comes to problem solving, begin to use anecdotal evidence to lobby from the heart when it involves alcohol. Forgive me for using your post to illustrate the issue. I will come clean here. I like a good beer. I also don't have to have one to have a good time. My personal pattern is to drink at baseball games because they tend to be slow and relaxed with a lot of sitting. At football I tend to want my hands free more for jumping up and down and yelling. I tend to doubt that beer sales at Tech would be the huge benefit so many suggest but I understand how some would think that it would enhance their game day experience. On the other hand it would be nice to hear Tech people be a little less passionate about "their personal right to drink" and start digging up some hard numbers and solid sociological research. I honestly do not have a dog in this fight. I am just struck how everyone seems to be using anecdotal evidence to support their personal preferences when this will actually have a much larger effect on a lot of people one way or another.

 

[CuseJacket]

On the one hand "you have a lot of people show up late and leave early" because TV "games last 4+" and apparently a lot of people cannot do without their drinks. On the other hand, "Most Tech fans .... aren't HUGE drinkers in the 1st place..."
I wonder which it is. They appear to be mutually exclusive phenomena.

I have not advocated a position yet on the drinking / no drinking in the stadium issue. But I am struck by how Tech people, who I always thought of as cold and rational when it comes to problem solving, begin to use anecdotal evidence to lobby from the heart when it involves alcohol. Forgive me for using your post to illustrate the issue. I will come clean here. I like a good beer. I also don't have to have one to have a good time. My personal pattern is to drink at baseball games because they tend to be slow and relaxed with a lot of sitting. At football I tend to want my hands free more for jumping up and down and yelling. I tend to doubt that beer sales at Tech would be the huge benefit so many suggest but I understand how some would think that it would enhance their game day experience. On the other hand it would be nice to hear Tech people be a little less passionate about "their personal right to drink" and start digging up some hard numbers and solid sociological research. I honestly do not have a dog in this fight. I am just struck how everyone seems to be using anecdotal evidence to support their personal preferences when this will actually have a much larger effect on a lot of people one way or another.

The original discussion was around the financial benefits to Tech. To that end it's hard to debate that beer would be a bad thing as it's easy to break even on draught beer or plastic containers.

From there folks start looking at the natural direct and indirect consequences as it relates to personal and overall gameday experiences. I don't think you're going to find data supporting an argument one way or the other there. All I can offer is that I am 100% certain that beer sales will at minimum get a few people I know to the game earlier and they will not be obnoxious as a result.

Similarly if folks are looking for data as it relates to alcohol-related offenses, I'm speculating that folks will find little. There is one article posted in this thread that insinuates beer sales actually curtail bad behavior, but that article is not the end-all be-all.

For those reasons I default to anecdotal comparisons of GT versus other like venues. In my 15 years of going to most Syracuse football (and basketball) games and sitting in the upper deck, many of which at the time carried similar-sized crowds to Bobby Dodd, I do not recall any over-consumption of beer at the venue. Folks had already made their decisions about what state of mind they wanted to be in pre-game and the beer sales at the Carrier Dome did not perpetuate any of those issues. And there are minimal public transportation options in upstate NY - only buses that are not far reaching.

Just one opinion of course.

 

[Ggee87]

On the one hand "you have a lot of people show up late and leave early" because TV "games last 4+" and apparently a lot of people cannot do without their drinks. On the other hand, "Most Tech fans .... aren't HUGE drinkers in the 1st place..."
I wonder which it is. They appear to be mutually exclusive phenomena.

I have not advocated a position yet on the drinking / no drinking in the stadium issue. But I am struck by how Tech people, who I always thought of as cold and rational when it comes to problem solving, begin to use anecdotal evidence to lobby from the heart when it involves alcohol. Forgive me for using your post to illustrate the issue. I will come clean here. I like a good beer. I also don't have to have one to have a good time. My personal pattern is to drink at baseball games because they tend to be slow and relaxed with a lot of sitting. At football I tend to want my hands free more for jumping up and down and yelling. I tend to doubt that beer sales at Tech would be the huge benefit so many suggest but I understand how some would think that it would enhance their game day experience. On the other hand it would be nice to hear Tech people be a little less passionate about "their personal right to drink" and start digging up some hard numbers and solid sociological research. I honestly do not have a dog in this fight. I am just struck how everyone seems to be using anecdotal evidence to support their personal preferences when this will actually have a much larger effect on a lot of people one way or another.

Im a recovering addict of all sorts of junk including alcohol. Im just calling it like I see it. Most of the student section are drinkers. Most of the older part of the fanbase are a little more calm and collected. The middle aged folks either go one way or the other. I personally havent witnessed too many people that id consider out of control. Some of my family are the ones that are on the drunkard side of the coin so I get that side. Heck I used to get plastered too. I think a good chunk of our fanbase could use a pickmeup during the games. I , like you, want to see folks up and screaming every chance they get. But the fact of the matter is... its not like that normally. I think the sale of beer in the stadium would slow down the over drinkers and pick up the ones who dont want to smuggle alcohol inside the stadium. Im also a proponent for a daggum smoking section for us smokers. Most of us get as far away from the crowd as we can to enjoy a quick smoke, and youd think we were planting bombs the way they react to it. I understand non-smokers are the majority and making them happy is first and foremost, but we have absolutely no give and take which is a little ridiculous. Going 4+ hours without a single puff is pretty tough. They need to look into accommodating in some way shape or form. IMO