More signs + carts/coolers to be used @UofMaryland Byrd Stadium & Xfinity Center when beer sales start in fall @WTOP pic.twitter.com/u2DrwDpjXi
— Michelle Basch (@mbaschWTOP) July 9, 2015Beer sales @UofMaryland's Byrd Stadium & Xfinity Center can start in the fall. It's a one year experiment @WTOP pic.twitter.com/x5jb2cSxGi
— Michelle Basch (@mbaschWTOP) July 9, 2015.@UMPD Chief David Mitchell also testifying in favor of allowing beer sales at athletic events at some venues @WTOP pic.twitter.com/DPHJqtWNxo
— Michelle Basch (@mbaschWTOP) July 9, 2015Among those testifying against @UofMaryland plan to sell beer @ sports events MD Delegate Joseline Pena-Melnick @WTOP pic.twitter.com/OwKlzRNgZV
— Michelle Basch (@mbaschWTOP) July 9, 2015
WASHINGTON — The University of Maryland is about to expand sales of beer at football and basketball games.
Until now, only those in pricey box seats could order a cold brew.
Wednesday night, after hearing testimony both for and against, Prince George’s County’s liquor control board approved a one-year experiment allowing sales of beer to anyone of legal age during sporting events at Byrd Stadium and Xfinity Center.
“It begins with the first football game this fall,” University President Wallace Loh told WTOP after the board’s decision.
“This is all about responsible drinking and safe drinking in a closely monitored environment,” he added.
Customers will only be able to buy one beer per transaction.
“With very trained vendors, with police officers and security people all over the place to make sure that it is lawful and orderly,” Loh said.
University leaders say numerous other precautions will be taken to prevent underage drinking, excessive drinking and the use of fake IDs.
If things go well during the first year, the university hopes to start selling wine at these venues as well.
The university expects yearly net revenue from beer sales to be about $500,000, and that money will be directed toward things like responsible drinking programs and sexual assault prevention.
Loh detailed the expanded beer plan in a letter to the University of Maryland community last month.
