Fresno State Athletics
New alcohol policy has a positive impact at Bulldog games
10/13/2006 12:00:00 AM | General
Oct. 13, 2006
Fresno, Calif. - By most any measure, Fresno State's early implementation of a California State University mandate banning alcohol sales in public areas of stadiums and arenas during athletic contests has been a success.
Although existing contracts were exempt from the mandate and there were two years remaining Fresno State's contract with a vendor for alcohol sales, the university chose to set an example by implementing its own policy this fall.
Among the positives:
- The Red Wave is turning out in force. Opening game attendance against Nevada was 39,269 for a late-afternoon game on a warm Friday before Labor Day. The Saturday night games against Oregon and Colorado State drew more than 42,000 each; well over the 41,031 capacity of the stadium (standing room was sold to accommodate the overflow).
- Dr. Paul Oliaro, the vice president for student affairs and dean of students, said feedback from students and other fans has been positive about the ban on beer sales during the games. "People are willing to accept policies," he said. "Most people come to the game to watch it. Everything else is secondary."
- Bulldog Boulevard was moved closer to the stadium this season to help promote a family-friendly environment before kickoff. This popular free attraction features a concert stage with music appealing to all ages and has activities to keep a wide range of youngsters occupied. Food and nonalcoholic beverages for available for sale, too.
- Those initiatives have paid off in an improved game-day ambience that pleases Oliaro. "Fans said it's been a very different atmosphere -- less rowdy behavior," he said, which was one aim of the alcohol sales ban in CSU stadiums.
- As part of the new policy, advertising in stadiums for companies that sell alcoholic beverages must carry a responsible consumption message. That helps underscore Fresno State's many initiatives over the years to discourage alcohol abuse, including underage drinking, and to promote responsible alcohol use among students.
- University Police Department Chief David Huerta cites the change in the alcohol sales policy as helping the general attitude of the thousands who attend each football game. Officers assigned to the interior of the stadium have observed a much more family friendly atmosphere. The concession areas are less crowded and there have been fewer incidents involving intoxicated individuals. At the end of the games, the alcohol ban contributes to the number of sober drivers that will safely travel the many roadways home.
Preferred Seating Areas of stadiums (suites and skyboxes), weren't included in the ban. Bulldog Stadium skybox guests may consume alcohol but sales are prohibited. As with premium ($25,000 to $30,000 per year) accommodations in many other college stadiums, responsible alcohol consumption is permitted and penalties can be stiff for any deviation from that policy.
Three skyboxes are utilized by the university each game to entertain individuals whose contributions help Fresno State provide first-class learning and research facilities for students and faculty. Those individuals also help forge partnerships with the university to meet challenges throughout our region and beyond.
University President John D. Welty's prediction, made after the ban was announced has come true.
He said then, "If we can create an atmosphere that's focused more on the student-athletes and the competition on the field, we're likely to attract a lot more families and others who are interested in going to events without the distraction of abuse of alcohol."
