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PSU approves limited alcohol sales at games

Pennsylvania State University’s board of trustees on Friday unanimously voted to begin sale of alcoholic beverages on a limited basis at Beaver Stadium, the Bryce Jordan Center and other athletic facilities on the University Park campus.

Pennsylvania State University's board of trustees on Friday voted to begin sale of alcoholic beverages on a limited basis at Beaver Stadium, the Bryce Jordan Center and other athletic facilities on the University Park campus.

The proposal passed nearly unanimously.

Sales will occur only in private and controlled areas, including suites, club seats and reception areas, under the proposed policy that the 38-member board endorsed. In the case of football games, about 4,400 of the 107,000 fans would have access to alcohol purchases, said Sandy Barbour, university athletic director.

The university also would need to obtain approval from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, which Penn State President Eric Barron said could happen in time for fall football.

The new policy also would apply to Penn State's golf courses, Recreation Hall, Pegula Ice Arena and Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.

Trustee Betsy Huber opposed the move, saying it sends the wrong message to students, that adults need alcohol to enjoy themselves. She noted a serious alcohol problem among students,

"I think we're seeking revenue at the expense of our students," she said.

Emeritus trustees David Jones also spoke against the move calling it a "crass grab for money."

Trustee Alice Pope said she initially had concerns, but was comforted that some revenue will go toward student affairs to support alcohol awareness.

University administrators cited fewer drinking problems at concerts where alcohol was sold as a pilot over the last year and promised to continue to monitor the effects of the new policy.

Penn State officials hope to tap new revenue with the move and attract events such as the NHL Winter Classic, while satisfying alumni and other older fans in premium seating who expect alcohol to be among the beverage choices.

The new policy also would allow beer and wine to be sold to all patrons of legal age at non sports events, such as concerts and professional sporting matches, held at Beaver Stadium and other athletic facilities. The university last year tested out alcohol sales at a Garth Brooks concert in the Bryce Jordan Center and most recently at a Bruce Springsteen concert.

Penn State will employ trained servers who will intervene in cases of people who attempt to consume too much, and there will be limits on number of drinks per patron, officials said.