The University of Georgia has decided to keep its 92,746-capacity Sanford Stadium alcohol free for the 2019-20 season despite the conference’s roll back on the long-standing liquor ban.
Earlier this month, US college sports organisation the Southeastern Conference (SEC) became the last major conference to abolish the alcohol ban after 30 years, giving each institution the autonomy to determine the permissibility of selling alcoholic beverages in its athletics venues.
However, despite the change, Georgia officials have decided not to permit the sale of alcohol in general admission areas during athletic events. In a statement, the university said it will serve adult beverages at the SkyClub and Champion’s Club areas of Sanford Stadium, as well as to $100,000-plus donors Magill Lounge Area.
Director of athletics at Georgia, Greg McGarity, said: “After consideration of the many facets involved with the Southeastern Conference’s revised alcohol policy, the Athletic Association has made the decision to maintain, at this time, the current UGA policy which prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages in non-premium seating areas of our athletics facilities.
“However, we will conduct an annual review of this policy to determine if any modifications may be needed in the future.”
The revised SEC policy on alcohol availability, which was approved during the Conference’s 2019 Spring Meetings, takes effect from August 1 and requires any SEC institution choosing to permit alcohol sales at athletics events to establish policies governing the sale and distribution of drinks consistent with requirements established and agreed to by the Conference membership.
In the past, SEC athletics programs have only been able to sell alcoholic drinks in premium seating areas.
Texas A&M became the first university to begin selling beer and wine at Kyle Field in general seating areas since the SEC lifted the conference-wide ban. Louisiana State University and the University of Mississippi also followed suit and will start selling alcohol during the 2019-20 season.
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