UTA to sell beer during College Park sporting events

texmusic · August 27, 2012

ARLINGTON -- When the University of Texas at Arlington volleyball team takes the court today at the new College Park Center, fans will be able to sip a beer while watching the Mavericks perform spikes attempting to get a kill against Savannah State.

UTA is joining other universities and colleges across the country in selling alcohol at sporting events in an effort to bring in bigger crowds -- and boost the game day experience -- by allowing their fans to buy a "cold one."

College Park, the $78 million arena, also is trying to position itself in a highly competitive sports/entertainment market that includes the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks and several Division 1 programs.

"We want people to come to our games," said Gregg Elkin, UTA's senior associate athletic director for external relations. "Beer sales at sporting events are a pretty common thing."

Beer sales have created a buzz among students, said Jennifer Fox, UTA's student body president. Fox said a lot of students seem more excited about a new tailgating policy that took effect Thursday. Under those rules, tailgating is allowed on a university lot south of Mitchell Street on weekends.

Fox, who doesn't drink alcohol, said she won't buy beer or tailgate. Still, she understands why it is important for many in the UTA community.

"I do understand the game day experience and hope that both of these new policies will encourage more attendance and school spirit at games," she said.

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/08/23/4201998/uta-to-sell-beer-during-college.html#storylink=cpy

http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/08/23/4201998/uta-to-sell-beer-during-college.html

LakeTravis · August 27, 2012

Rick V. said it wouldn't be available this year on campus but he is seriously considering it.

Eric Capper has also been bringing it up on Twitter.

Id imagine we will get our liquor license this off-season and we will see concerts scheduled at Apogee following since that's the main reason we haven't been able to book any.