The recent New York Times article “Beer Here! Beer Here?”, written by Marc Tracy, discussed the pros and cons of selling beer at college games. Tracy noted that a number of universities, such as West Virginia University, Syracuse University and the University of Louisville, sell beer at college games. According to Mary Cunneen, associate athletic director for Facilities and Events Management, Fordham does not regularly sell alcohol at home games. Beer is provided under the tent during the homecoming game each year.
Meg Smith, Gabelli School of Business at Lincoln Center (GSBLC) ’19, a football fan, said, “College football and beer go hand in hand. You almost expect there to be beer at a college football game.” Smith went on to say that just because beer is sold at college football games and under the tent at homecoming doesn’t mean all students will drink it. Smith continued: “It’s entirely up to the individual to make that kind of decision.”
Shirina Braun, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’19, believes colleges and Fordham should not sell beer at football games. “Alcohol can easily be abused,” Braun said. “If people are exposed to alcohol at school events, it just makes alcohol more accessible to abuse.”
From a business standpoint, beer sales are a big benefit to college games. Economically, beer sales can bring in thousands of dollars per year that will benefit athletic departments. West Virginia University made $500,000 from beer sales in a single year. This additional money can be used to improve athlete resources as well as the fan experience. Tracy said, “In the era of seven-figure coaching salaries and demands for additional athlete resources, universities are always looking for ways to increase revenue. » If college sports is all about making money, then selling beer is an extremely effective way to go about it.
From a moral standpoint, beer sales can be controversial, in part because of the alcohol problem facing many colleges. Excessive alcohol consumption among college students is a growing problem. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, four out of five college students drink alcohol, and about half of college students who drink drink alcohol to excess. Tracy noted that a West Virginia University student died of alcohol poisoning last year, but alcohol is still sold on game days at the university.
There are pros and cons to selling beer at college football games. Tracy highlighted both the success and the risks this imposed on other schools. From an economic standpoint, Fordham and universities in general can benefit greatly from beer sales; However, selling alcohol in colleges also poses dangers to students.
