KNOXVILLE – After thorough deliberations, Tennessee has announced a plan for beer and wine sales beginning with the Vols’ football game against BYU on Sept. 7 at Neyland Stadium.
Kickoff will be 7 p.m.
According to a university release, a group appointed by new chancellor Donde Plowman conceived policy and infrastructure this summer regarding “responsible alcohol sales.” The planning “placed an ardent emphasis on fan experience, safety and security.”
Beer will be sold at concession stands and kiosks throughout the stadium, except near the student section. Wine will be sold in the Tennessee Terrace as well as the East and West Clubs. A maximum of two alcoholic beverages may be purchased per transaction and each beverage must be poured into a clear cup.
Sales will begin when the gates open two hours before kickoff and conclude at the end of the third quarter.
The two-drink transaction maximum and clear cup policy were mandated by the Southeastern Conference when the conference presidents and chancellors voted in May at the league’s spring meetings to allow schools to decide how to implement the sale of beer and wine in public areas at athletic events.
“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,” UT athletic director Phillip Fulmer said in the university release. “The game day experience at Neyland Stadium is historic and unrivaled and I’m confident these new concession options will aid our continued effort to enhance that experience for Tennessee fans and visitors throughout the stadium.
“We remain committed to providing a safe, positive, family friendly atmosphere in our venues and have measures in place to assure that standard is met.”
Regardless of age, everyone will be required to show a valid photo ID when purchasing alcohol. Stadium personnel also may ask for anyone consuming alcohol to show an ID away from the original point of sale.
Anyone passing alcohol to minors, trying to use a fake ID or getting intoxicated will be ejected from the stadium and will be subject to prosecution.
A game-day text message system will be available to report inappropriate fan behavior or to request medical or custodial assistance. Fans may text – beginning with the words VOLS – to 69050 and include their seat location and description of their issue.
On game days, a designated ride/share pickup area will be located on Circle Drive near Ayres Hall.
Tennessee’s clear bag policy remains in effect for all athletic events. The university still is working toward implementation dates for alcohol sales at other sporting events and venues.
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Dan Fleser is a 1980 graduate of the University of Missouri who covered University of Tennessee athletics for the Knoxville News Sentinel from 1988-2019. He can be reached at danfleser3@gmail.com