© 2024 Wyoming Public Media
800-729-5897 | 307-766-4240
Wyoming Public Media is a service of the University of Wyoming
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Transmission & Streaming Disruptions

UW Approves Game Day Alcohol Sales

Wikimedia Commons

Beginning next fall, the University of Wyoming will have beer and wine available for purchase at its football and basketball games. UW’s Board of Trustees approved the plan on Thursday.

Wyoming Athletics Department spokesman Bill Sparks said drinks will cost between six and eight dollars each, and sales are estimated to make at least $290,000. Most of the funds will be used to offset the Athletic Department’s one million dollar budget cut, while some will be given to the university’s alcohol awareness program and a designated driver program.

Sparks said he hopes the change will increase attendance.

“We are competing with people who are trying to make the decision of ‘is it better for me to go to the game? Or I can just stay home and watch it on my big screen television in my own living room, and have a beer there, or have wine there?’” said Sparks.

The open container policy that has allowed fans to tailgate before and during the game will now be allowed only before kick-off, not during the game. Additionally, there will be no re-entry to the games. Sparks said the Laramie Police Department insisted on including these changes in the plan.  

“Because they believe if we do that, binge drinking may go down,” said Sparks. “Because people will have a reason to come in and have a beer in the stadium instead of staying out in the parking lot and drinking stronger alcohol than beer.”

Sparks added the changes are also intended from discouraging people from sneaking liquor into games. 

Maggie Mullen is Wyoming Public Radio's regional reporter with the Mountain West News Bureau. Her work has aired on NPR, Marketplace, Science Friday, and Here and Now. She was awarded a 2019 regional Edward R. Murrow Award for her story on the Black 14.
Related Content