Spartan Spirits: MSU Allows Alcohol Sales At sporting Events

In the near future, you will be able to enjoy an alcoholic drink when attending a game at Spartan Stadium. The Board of Trustees at Michigan State University (MSU) has approved a revision to the university's alcohol ordinance during their Wednesday morning session.

In July, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill into law allowing public universities’ sporting venues to score liquor licenses. This would allow alcohol sales at the state’s fifteen public universities’ football, hockey, and basketball games.

MSU locations allowing alcohol sales are those that support multiple sports. These venues include Spartan Stadium, the Breslin Center, Munn Ice Arena, and Old College Field (DeMartin Soccer Stadium, Secchia Stadium, and McLane Baseball Stadium). However, the school is planning to start with just Spartan Stadium on Sept. 15, with the upcoming football season as the first trial run for the university.

All revenue generated by alcohol sales will be split three ways, according to MSU. One part to student life and engagement, one part to university health and well-being, and one part to athletics.

Authorized licenses are limited to scheduled events meeting specific criteria. People responsible for the sale and service of alcoholic beverages are required to have completed a server training program. They also added that volunteers associated with fundraising activities during events can't serve alcohol. The sale and service of alcoholic beverages are constrained to one hour before and during the event. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is limited to one hour before the event, during the event, or within 30 minutes following its end.

The Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) issued separate licenses for each facility on university grounds typically used for intercollegiate athletic events. Alcohol could only be sold and served at fixed locations, and vending machines aren't allowed.

Alcohol sales are banned from 2 a.m. to 7 a.m. A special permit was needed to sell spirits or mixed drinks from Sunday noon to Monday 2 a.m., according to Michigan Legislature.

Out of the 14 Big Ten schools, 11 of them have already been selling alcohol at their sporting events. Those schools include Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio State, Purdue, Penn State, Rutgers, Minnesota, Northwestern, Wisconsin, and Iowa.

Until recently, both Michigan State University and the University of Michigan were among three Big Ten schools that had rules against selling alcohol at their games.