Bear beer: MSU to allow alcohol sales at sporting events

The Missouri State University Board of Governors voted yesterday on a pilot program to test alcohol sales at athletic events.

The 18-month pilot allows the sale of beer and wine at MSU sporting events held at JQH Arena and Robert W. Plaster Stadium. The initiative starts tomorrow during Bears and Lady Bears home games scheduled at JQH Arena, according to a news release.

The board vote is an expansion of alcohol sales already allowed at such non-MSU events as concerts and shows. Alcohol consumption also is allowed during BearFest Village tailgating events.

"We are strongly committed to preserving a family-friendly environment at our athletic events," MSU Director of Athletics Kyle Moats said in the release. "This is an opportunity to enhance revenue, which controls costs, and to enhance the fan experience by providing a broader variety of options."

MSU’s current contractor vendor Spectra - the two have had a revenue-sharing agreement in 2008 - will provide the concession services.

"Our contracted vendor has a wealth of experience in ensuring responsibility at all its points of sale," Moats added. "We would not enter into this arrangement without making sure our concessionaires are educated and compliant with their enforcement obligations and without a strong history of success in our venues with other events."