Beer at College Games

I'm not sure allowing coolers full of beer is a great idea. But I haven't been to a college football, basketball or hockey game that didn't sell alcohol. The football games allowed alcohol at parking lot tailgate parties. I haven't been to a college baseball game with an enclosed stadium (with admission and concession stands) so I can't comment. Anyone want to guess how much college football and basketball generates in alcohol advertising revenue.

williekc, I think selling beer is very standard at college games.

I have not seen coolers being brought in or fans bypassing concesssion stands by bringing thier own favorite beverage. (Frankly, IMO that would just be rude. The sales are needed to support the program.)

Fans getting out of control are rare. But I have noticed that sales are brisk where ever beer is offered.

RJM, I could not make a near correct guess but I would guess that it is a hefty number.

The NCAA rule for alcohol at college baseball games.

Not permitted at on campus or school owned facilities.

Allowed to be sold at facilities used that are not owned by school or on campus. i.e. Juniors first college series was a season opening tournament in San Antonio at a minor league facility, beer sold and allowed.

The game I was at was on a College campus. Just wondering. I know people drink at football tailgates and maybe one or two before a college baseball game at a bar or in the parking lot, I had just never seen it being sold at a game. Not saying it's right or wrong. I work for a beer company. The incident I saw this weekend with the DRUNK fans yelling insults at the opposing players,coaches and fans has no place in this great sport.

At SEMO there are a bunch of fans that bring alcohol with them to the games. Also, there are normally 1 or 2 dates where they GIVE OUT beer at the baseball games. Yes, our ballpark is owned by the city and not the school.

quote:

Originally posted by williekc:
The game I was at was on a College campus. Just wondering. I know people drink at football tailgates and maybe one or two before a college baseball game at a bar or in the parking lot, I had just never seen it being sold at a game. Not saying it's right or wrong. I work for a beer company. The incident I saw this weekend with the DRUNK fans yelling insults at the opposing players,coaches and fans has no place in this great sport.

That's weird, was that an NCAA school?

Beer is sold at Ragin' Cajun games at the concession stands and by vendors in the stands. It adds low six figures to the team budget. I have never seen or heard of an alcohol related problem at a game.

There is extreme heckling of opposing players at dry stadiums, btw.

The facilities are on campus and beer is sold at hoop and football games too.

Yum-yum get you some cotton candy, too....

That maybe the answer. We were at Nichols State also in LA. I would say it was a major problem. It was only a handful of fans but they were way out of line. It's a shame when a few can ruin it for everyone. Also never would these guys have said what they said to the players anywhere else except the ball park. I would have loved to see what the 28 guys would have done to them anywhere else.

quote:

Originally posted by BlueDog:
Yum-yum get you some cotton candy, too....

Now that guy did have a problem after a game off campus.

quote:

Originally posted by williekc:
That maybe the answer. We were at Nichols State also in LA. I would say it was a major problem. It was only a handful of fans but they were way out of line. It's a shame when a few can ruin it for everyone. Also never would these guys have said what they said to the players anywhere else except the ball park. I would have loved to see what the 28 guys would have done to them anywhere else.

Well, I wouldn't expect much more in Thibidaux, pop. 14,000. Lets' keep the setting in perspective. When there are only 100 to 150 total fans in the stands a few drunks can make a lot of noise.

Old cajun proverb; Empty cans rattle the most.

Saturday night I would guess in the 500 range. Still not an excuse. So you're saying because it's not in a stadium with 1000's of people it's ok to get wasted and make a fool out of yourself at the other teams players,coaches and fans expense? Sounds like the guy down there I asked about it and he said don't worry about it, it's a cultural thing. Thibidaux the armpit of LA.

The regular college season may cause a stir but if you want to make a night of a game, the Madison Mallards of the summer college Northwoods League takes the "art of beer" to a new level. The pics below is the biggest of the two "Duck Blinds". It is 3 tiers located down in the RF corner next to the visiting teams bullpen. I think max capacity is about 2k and they reserve groups up to 1k. The Duck Blind is sold out for most of the 40 home games. All you can drink domestic and micro brews are included in the price......and all the food you can eat. Gates open at 5:30, game at 7:00, and many times live music after the game until the beer runs out. A wristband and id is needed for entrance.

A smaller, more cozy Duck Blind is located in the LF corner, same deals, on the roof of the business office and holds about 200. While beer is available throughout the stadium, the Mallards do it right by segregating the Duckblinds from the general seating area.

Below is the write-up on the Mallard site advertising the Duckblind. The pic on the right gives a good indication of it's size in the RF corner.




The Great Dane Duck Blind has become one of the most popular summertime night spots in Madison! Still featuring an all inclusive food and drink extravaganza for you and your group of up to 1,000 people! Along with unlimited soda we provide the largest selection of beers (18 to be exact) in The Northwoods League, highlighted by the Great Dane of course.

Our concession stand serves brats, burgers, hot dogs, chicken breasts and more! Sides include french fries, potato salad, cole slaw and chips. Our grills are on until the end of the 5th inning and the food is served until it’s gone. A limited menu will be cooked and served until the end of the 7th inning!

Along with all the food and beverages, you will get an exclusive setting for your group with a great view of the game! This is a great opportunity for your company outing, family reunion, or any other gathering!

Great Dane Duck Blind Beer Selection (subject to change)

Budweiser
Bud Light
Duck Pond Green (Bud Select)
Michelob Ultra
Michelob Golden Draft Light
Rolling Rock
Bacardi Raz (2 lines)
Goose Island Honker's Ale
Goose Island 312
Bass Ale
Great Dane Crop Circle Wheat (2 lines)
Great Dane Mallards Ale (2 lines)
Great Dane Big League Brown
Great Dane Old Glory APA
Old Style
Tyranena Three Beaches Honey Blonde
Tyranena Headless Man Amber Alt.
Blue Moon
New Glarus Naked
(Red Bridge Gluten-free beer available upon request)

Price: Beer/Soda

Reserved Duck Blind (Sun-Wed/Th-Sat) $31/36 $26/31
Duck Blind (Sun-Wed/Th-Sat) $26/31 $21/26

01 March 2010

NCAA Sporting Events
NCAA alcohol policy:

The Committee reviewed the Association's alcohol policy and encouraged NCAA members to use the Association's policy as a guideline for reviewing their campus policies.

It was VOTED:

"That the following Resolution shall be adopted, which provides:

"Whereas a fundamental purpose of the NCAA is to maintain intercollegiate athletics as an integral part of the educational program and the athlete as an integral part of the student body; and

"Whereas the illegal use and abuse of alcohol is contrary to the mission of the NCAA and destroys such fundamental values as respect, fairness, civility, honesty and responsibility; and

"Whereas the NCAA takes seriously its responsibility to present participation in sports as a positive experience for student-athletes and fans alike, and this responsibility includes educating student-athletes about alcohol abuses and providing positive messaging related to the legal use of alcohol; and

"Whereas the Association recognizes the connection made by the general public and the media between sports and alcohol use, and restricts alcohol advertising and the sale of alcohol beverages at the site of NCAA championship events; and

"Whereas the NCAA supports institutional autonomy and campus responsibility as it relates to managing the use of alcohol and other substances on campus but recognizes the need for a consistent message as it relates to alcohol advertising and sales during all collegiate events.

"Now, therefore, be it Resolved that NCAA members shall be encouraged to:
■ "Prohibit the sale of alcoholic beverages during all preseason, regular season, conference and postseason intercollegiate events. [Alcoholic beverages should not be sold or otherwise made available for public consumption in the athletics facility during intercollegiate athletics events.]■ "Promote only the legal and responsible use of alcohol by fans outside the stadium or arena (e.g., tailgating). [To the extent that an institution can preclude the sale of alcohol outside the stadium or arena, those efforts should be made. When such restrictions are not feasible, an institution should visibly promote the legal and responsible use of alcohol for all fans associated with the event.]■ "Prohibit on-site alcohol advertising during all preseason, regular season, conference and postseason intercollegiate events. [Except when expressly prohibited by prior contract, institutions should preclude advertising, banners, and signs of displays for liquor, beer(including nonalcoholic beer) or wine products. Any permanently affixed or leased advertising, banners, signs or displays in the facility, should be covered during the event.]■ "Prohibit media advertising of alcoholic beverages that exceed six percent alcohol by volume. [Immediately prior to, during and subsequent to televised competition, institutions should preclude media advertising of alcoholic beverages that exceed six percent alcohol by volume.]■ "Limit advertising of malt beverages, beer and wine products that do not exceed six percent alcohol by volume and include content that emphasizes legal use of alcohol . These advertisements could include tag lines such as "Drink Responsibly" and "Be Legal." [ Such advertisements should not compose more than 14 percent of the space in any game publications; not more than 60 seconds per hour of any telecast or broadcast or not more than one hundred twenty (120) seconds total in any telecast or broadcast. Any such content should include an appropriate focus on legal and responsible use of alcohol.]■ "Provide programs and resources for education, prevention and treatment of alcohol abuse."



Bob Williams
Managing Director of Public and Media Relations
The National Collegiate Athletic Association
www.ncaa.org
317/ 917-6117

The actual rules on alcohol (as opposed to encouragment) all relate to NCAA Championship venues, where it is prohibited, and certain classes of advertising are prohibited. Doesn't matter who owns the facility.

See Bylaw 31.

I find it very NCAA-ish that they prohibit, or very much discourage the sale/promotion of alcohol at NCAA events and at the same time when they put out the bid to the networks for broadcast rights, there is no stipulations of what can be advertised during those games. God forbid, if those handcuffs were put on the networks that winning bid may be much lower.

Hypocrisy at its best. With one hand the NCAA is shaking it's finger at schools trying to make a buck, and the other hand is counting the money stuffed in it's pockets from the sale of media rights that includes the promotion of what they condoned from within.

Do as I say, not as I do.

rz1 disclaimer - Whereas rz1 assumes the NCCA televised games do promote the consumption of alcoholic beverages, his consumption may have blurred the accuracy of the allegation.

When a network buys a right to broadcast, it is a fixed amount paid the the franchiser, this time being the NCAA. Stipulations about advertisers or limitations are about as common as hens teeth. The reason is not just the dollars involved, it's actually whether the network will even consider the contract with limitations.

The only ones that can really place limitations on such things are the owners of the product. That means that if the network bought they rights, they own the product. The only way to skirt that is to self produce, meaning that the NCAA would have to pay all the cameramen, hosts, production personnel, cameras, mic's, studio, etc, and then buy the airtime as a block from the network. Then the NCAA would sell it's own advertising and be able to limit contributors. It's really not a workable alternative.

quote:

Originally posted by CPLZ:
....Stipulations about advertisers or limitations are about as common as hens teeth. The reason is not just the dollars involved, it's actually whether the network will even consider the contract with limitations.

Maybe the NCAA should say we'll take 2/3 as much, but we will not tolerate ads during our broadcasts that go against our policies that are directed to our member schools? 2/3 of a lot, is still a lot, and I sure there would be takers out there.

Some opinions say the NCAA has no right in dictating how it's contracted athlete and/or his representatives promote themselves to the professional ranks but then turn around and say the NCAA is in the right to dictate how it's a member universities procure program revenue through the sale of alcoholic beverages to ticket buyers that are of age.

quote:

Originally posted by rz1:

quote:

Originally posted by CPLZ:
....Stipulations about advertisers or limitations are about as common as hens teeth. The reason is not just the dollars involved, it's actually whether the network will even consider the contract with limitations.

Maybe the NCAA should say we'll take 2/3 as much, but we will not tolerate ads during our broadcasts that go against our policies that are directed to our member schools? 2/3 of a lot, is still a lot, and I sure there would be takers out there.

Some opinions say the NCAA has no right in dictating how it's contracted athlete and/or his representatives promote themselves to the professional ranks but then turn around and say the NCAA is in the right to dictate how it's a member universities procure program revenue through the sale of alcoholic beverages to ticket buyers that are of age.

The network will most likely (99.9% chance) not sign a restrictive rights contract at any price. It's basically something that's non negotiable. I've helped to produce network broadcasts and also self syndicated/self produced broadcasts, so I've learned the lay of the land, that's all.

I've never offered an opinion or stance upon NCAA revenue production or alcohol, so I don't know where you come up with claiming that I have. I just outlined the real world of networks and advertising...it is what it is. The two issues, representation for negotiation with pro teams, and revenue from alcohol advertising sales are hardly tied together, they aren't even in the same universe. There is no fence where people have to declare either pro or con everything NCAA, or on any issue. Why can't people treat them like the individual issues that they are?

I believe the APR and uniform start date are good things. The 1 year sit rule for transfers is basically good, but needs work to put non scholarshipped, or cut athletes and opportunity to transfer without penalty. I believe the rule regarding non representation for athletes to be Anti American and stupid. All separate issues, all separate conclusions, none tied to another. No one is all good or all bad. Having the ability to separate issues makes for clear thinking regarding each.

quote:

Originally posted by CPLZ:
I've never offered an opinion or stance on the matter, so I don't know where you come up with claiming that I have. I just outlined the real world of networks and advertising...it is what it is.

Chip I never mentioned you once personally. I said some opinions. You should know me better that if I had something to say about you, I say it to you. Not only on this site, but in general, some opinions with similar situations are bi-directional.

Sorry if you thought I was stating your opinion.

quote:

Originally posted by rz1:

quote:

Originally posted by CPLZ:
I've never offered an opinion or stance on the matter, so I don't know where you come up with claiming that I have. I just outlined the real world of networks and advertising...it is what it is.

Chip I never mentioned you once personally. I said some opinions. You should know me better that if I had something to say about you, I say it to you. Not only on this site, but in general, some opinions with similar situations are bi-directional.

Sorry if you thought I was stating your opinion.

I figured that since I had weighed in on the representation issue with such a strong opinion, it was directed at me. Thanks for the clarification, my bad.

quote:

Originally posted by CPLZ:
The two issues, representation for negotiation with pro teams, and revenue from alcohol advertising sales are hardly tied together, they aren't even in the same universe.

I can see both the individual schools and the individual athlete as the plaintiff in both cases.

The contracted player, who is the product, is using NCAA baseball as his stage in order to promote his future revenue but being denied those negotiating rights by the NCAA.

and

The individual Universities trying to increase it future revenue with the promotion of beverages/advertising, which is the product, but is being denied that negotiating right by the NCAA.

I do see definite similarities, the only difference is that the Universities do not have alternatives, and the NCAA player does by playing under a different governing body.

quote:

Originally posted by williekc:
Saturday night I would guess in the 500 range. Still not an excuse. So you're saying because it's not in a stadium with 1000's of people it's ok to get wasted and make a fool out of yourself at the other teams players,coaches and fans expense? Sounds like the guy down there I asked about it and he said don't worry about it, it's a cultural thing. Thibidaux the armpit of LA.

The box score listed attendance (usually including no-shows) was 289 Saturday. An empty ball park is not an excuse for rude behavior, I agree. It may be the reason the behavior was significant. If the attendance was 3,289, the drunks wouldn't have been noticed (nearly as much).

Culturally, the guy was right. There is some drinking going on there. It isn't for everyone, obviously. Most of the bars and liquor stores in free-standing buildings where my son went to school have drive-through windows. You can buy a fifth of booze at any convenience store.

With that said, heckling D1 college players is commonplace, in my experience. Home fans in the Big 12 basically regard heckling as an advanced form of mass performance art. I won't repeat some of the racist garbage I've heard in Mobile. It was sickening.

I'm not defending rude, drunk hecklers. never been to Thibidaux and I'm not going anytime soon. They do come with the landscape, though. If you win, they don't matter. If you don't win they ruined your day. I understand that and have been on both sides.

With all that said, Louisiana is generally a tough place to be in the visitors dugout or behind it.

There is a solution to every problem.

.

quote:

Originally posted by rz1:
I find it very NCAA-ish that they prohibit, or very much discourage the sale/promotion of alcohol at NCAA events and at the same time when they put out the bid to the networks for broadcast rights, there is no stipulations of what can be advertised during those games. God forbid, if those handcuffs were put on the networks that winning bid may be much lower.

Hypocrisy at its best. With one hand the NCAA is shaking it's finger at schools trying to make a buck, and the other hand is counting the money stuffed in it's pockets from the sale of media rights that includes the promotion of what they condoned from within.

Do as I say, not as I do.

[/i]

Exactly.

And I'll take in one step futher...

quote:

Now, therefore, be it Resolved that NCAA members shall be encouraged to:

THis is the way that the NCAA does everything....

So one one hand you benefit handsomely in a financial way from a potentially irresponsible and non athletic way by turning college athletic contests into big beer parties and increasing the gate revenue by attracting additional rowdy fans who come for "the party" not the sport...

...On the other hand you "suggest" that the schools stop the practice...in order to CYA, and make it look like your priorities are in the right place.

Either you stop it...or you do not. It's that simple. You have that power.

As for player taunting, I am pretty sure that the NCAA has a "encouraged" policy on that as well...and the reality is at some parks (pregame warning and players are thrown out) and at others in is simply and blatantly outrageous incuding using info from the team rosters and Bios (if you are a vistiting parent bring earplugs)and part of the experience. The reality is that it is up to the individual program. There is no real enforced NCAA standard.

44
.

One thing very telling about the NCAA resolution is the office that issued it. Did it come from the Executvive Director or the Executive Committee?

Nope. It's signed by Bob Williams, Managing Director of Public and Media Relations, the department in charge of lip service, obfuscation and smoke and mirrors.

quote:

Originally posted by Jimmy03:
Nope. It's signed by Bob Williams, Managing Director of Public and Media Relations, the department in charge of lip service, obfuscation and smoke and mirrors.

Be careful of whose lips you rip in this neck of the woods. Bob is an esteemed HSBBW old timer who opinions and knowledge are top notch.

quote:

Originally posted by rz1:

quote:

Originally posted by Jimmy03:
Nope. It's signed by Bob Williams, Managing Director of Public and Media Relations, the department in charge of lip service, obfuscation and smoke and mirrors.

Be careful of whose lips you rip in this neck of the woods. Bob is an esteemed HSBBW old timer who opinions and knowledge are top notch.

There are probably several thousand Bob Williams in the nation. You sure that is our Bob Williams? I didn't know he had anything to do with NCAA media relations.

quote:

Originally posted by ClevelandDad:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by rz1:
You sure that is our Bob Williams? I didn't know he had anything to do with NCAA media relations.

I jumped early cd, my bad. It was a jimmy quote and not a Bob spoke

I thought our Bob was the one-n-only Bob Williams and then they retired the name.

Guess not
Rip him a new one jimmy

quote:

Originally posted by rz1:
Rip him a new one jimmy

ROFL

Dad04,
Here is what the sign on the back of the visitors dugout said. (Right in front of the drunk fans)
"The Southland Conference and Nichols State University prohibits any person from conduct or language that is profane, demeaning or abusive towards officials, participants, or coaches. Fans who display such actions shall be removed from the athletic event."
I understand the earplug thing I just don't think there is any place in College Baseball for it.
Also winning or losing the game has nothing to do with it. I would go as far to say it might of been even worse if we had won.

Nichols AD folks should enforce their own rules. Just like anything else though, squeaky wheel gets the grease. I would have found event management and voiced a complaint, if it interfered with my quiet enjoyment of the game I paid to attend.

Based on first hand experience, the fastest way to shut up fans is to step on their team's neck.

I'm assuming you just sat there and "took it" without complaint until now. Hmmm.

EDIT: Not sure what your length or depth of involvement in college baseball is, but it might shock you to know sometimes there is more trash talking coming from inside the dugout than behind it. College baseball is a sweat soaked, dirt covered, extremely profanity laced physical and mental test of wills and skills. THe faint of heart or thin skinned need not apply.

Bobby Bouche never had a problem at Nichols.....

quote:

Originally posted by BlueDog:
Bobby Bouche never had a problem at Nichols.....

Remember when Bobby Bouche' showed up at half time and the Mud Dogs pounded Nichols and their loudmouth fan, do ya?

quote:

Originally posted by Dad04:

College baseball is a sweat soaked, dirt covered, extremely profanity laced physical and mental test of wills and skills. THe faint of heart or thin skinned need not apply.

I can relate!

quote:

Originally posted by TPM:

quote:

Originally posted by Dad04:

College baseball is a sweat soaked, dirt covered, extremely profanity laced physical and mental test of wills and skills. THe faint of heart or thin skinned need not apply.

I can relate!

It ain't tidly winks, is it?

quote:

Originally posted by Dad04:

quote:

Originally posted by TPM:

quote:

Originally posted by Dad04:

College baseball is a sweat soaked, dirt covered, extremely profanity laced physical and mental test of wills and skills. THe faint of heart or thin skinned need not apply.

I can relate!

It ain't tidly winks, is it?

I do believe I know some guys that are going to wear a heater this year. Pitchers have long memories.

quote:

Originally posted by Dad04:
College baseball is a sweat soaked, dirt covered, extremely profanity laced physical and mental test of wills and skills. THe faint of heart or thin skinned need not apply.

Being extremely sensitive myself, and one who avoids conflict, I have a problem addressing those who enter my space in a threatening manner. I've resigned to the fact that you're a bigger man to walk away, head held high, a smile on your face, and knowing that you will be remembered when they return to the burned out shell of car that got them there

williekc,
In the state of South Carolina (where no alcohol is sold on sunday or at a college stadium) there are two rival teams who meet each other on the diamond 4 times a year.
The profanity, the heckling, the name calling that exists would knock your sox (both of them) off, with no alcohol involved.

The point we are trying to make, although I agree with you, is that baseball games can get downright nasty and ugly...often with or without liquid refreshments.
It takes some getting used to, but it exists.

quote:

Originally posted by rz1:

quote:

Originally posted by Dad04:
College baseball is a sweat soaked, dirt covered, extremely profanity laced physical and mental test of wills and skills. THe faint of heart or thin skinned need not apply.

Being extremely sensitive myself, and one who avoids conflict, I have a problem addressing those who enter my space in a threatening manner. I've resigned to the fact that you're a bigger man to walk away, head held high, a smile on your face, and knowing that you will be remembered when they return to the burned out shell of car that got them there

...and I'm sure you'll be leaving sober as a judge, er preacher, er senator uh, more sober than someone from Thibidaux.
It's a mess there, I'm told.

quote:

Originally posted by Dad04:
College baseball is a sweat soaked, dirt covered, extremely profanity laced physical and mental test of wills and skills. THe faint of heart or thin skinned need not apply.

I was actually just referring to the booster club luncheons.