Will alcohol sales expand at Arizona Stadium?

TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) - While students, staff, alumni and fans can debate the differences of Sun Devils and Wildcats, the two universities share the potential of general alcohol sales at football games.

ASU's senior associate athletics director tweeted Monday, July 6, that Arizona State is "analyzing" the idea of expanding concession sales at Sun Devil Stadium.

Tucson News Now wanted to know if University of Arizona Athletics is considering it as well.

There won't be any changes for the upcoming season at Arizona Stadium, but the department will continue to monitor the results at other stadiums with general alcohol sales, according to Senior Associate Director of Athletics James Francis.

Francis said fans enjoyment and safety are the top priority for Arizona Athletics, so any proposal formed by the department would involve University of Arizona police, general counsel and the president's office.

He said infrastructure will need to be addressed in order to safely sell and properly monitor any alcohol around general seating.

Alcohol is already sold at the stadium in premium seating like super suites and the Sands Club, according to Francis.

Some people around campus Wednesday said they didn't like the idea because they enjoy football games with their children and don't want alcohol to ruin the experience.

Most of the people who spoke with Tucson News Now said they support the change.

Megan Swartz, a season ticket holder, said selling alcohol at the stadium would improve her chances of renewing her tickets for future seasons.

"I think it would be a great idea," she said. "I have two kids so I get a sitter for the night and I would like to enjoy a cocktail while I watch the U of A."

Levi Zimberoff, a junior at Arizona, said he would be all for alcohol sales if it means the program benefits in some way. He's only missed a few football games during his time at the U of A and the student said selling alcohol might prevent people from drinking too much before the game while still encouraging an entertaining environment.

"I honestly don't think it would change a whole lot because it's already a pretty rowdy crowd which is probably a good thing," he said. "It's just like stadiums all over the country where they have alcohol all over."

Alcohol is sold during Arizona baseball games, which are played off campus at Hi Corbett Field. The move prompted a couple of people to reach out to the southern Arizona affiliate of MADD with concerns, according to MADD Arizona State Program Director.

He said the organization does not oppose the sale of alcohol at Arizona Stadium or any other major event on a college campus as long as it's handled legally and done responsibly..