University of Kansas said it will begin selling beer and wine at home football games this season.
“Our research and that of others indicates that not only does alcohol availability promote attendance and improve the game-day experience for fans, it has the potential to reduce alcohol-related incidents in and around the venue,” Long said.
Kansas averaged just 20,265 fans at home games last season, which is roughly 40 percent of Memorial Stadium’s capacity of just over 50,000. The average attendance was about half of the next-worst attendance in the league, and often there were far fewer fans by the time the second half began.
All alcohol sales will end at the end of the third quarter.
50 Division I schools that now offer alcohol sales at football games, including Big 12 members Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, West Virginia, Texas and Texas Tech. Even more offer sales in select areas.
Last year, the NCAA approved alcohol sales at its championship events for the first time.
“Fans have told us that one of the best ways to enhance their experience at Kansas athletics events is for them to have the ability to enjoy beer and wine,” Long said in a statement, “and we are pleased to provide this opportunity.”