Have you ever been to a concert at the Bryce Jordan Center and found yourself dreaming of a nice, cold beer?
Starting in April, that dream may become a reality.
According to a university news release, Penn State has applied for a limited alcohol license through the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. If the board grants its approval, alcoholic beverages could be on sale by April.
Penn State spokesperson Lisa Powers says allowing alcoholic beverages at the BJC could make the arena a more competitive concert venue.
“We have been disadvantaged in our ability to compete in this marketplace, because some artists will not perform at a venue that does not sell alcohol and some fans want to patronize venues that are able to sell both food and alcohol,” Powers says, adding that fans and artists often choose to go to similar venues a few hours to the east or west.
But the university plans on having some strict restrictions in place.
According to the news release, only beer and wine would be on sale. Alcohol would only be sold at non-University events such as concerts, and only at only events where the majority of patrons are expected to be of legal drinking age.
Powers says the university is planning a “pilot program” at a concert in April to test out the idea. The BJC is still working out the contract details with the artist, but Powers says “it is considered an artist that will draw an adult demographic.”
“In the event that the pilot is determined to be successful from a safety aspect and crowd perspective, [then] concerts will be determined on an event-by-event basis,” Powers says. “The results of beer and wine service at this event will be examined and re-examined.”
She says this will be the first time the BJC has ever allowed the sale of alcohol to the public.
According to the news release, the BJC is the only major arena in the state that doesn’t sell alcohol. While University Park is a dry campus, Medlar Field has sold beer at State College Spikes games for almost ten years.
Powers says the decision to begin selling alcohol at the BJC does not contradict university policies that prevent students from drinking on campus.
“We see this as a more responsible way to introduce alcohol to an event that is already geared toward of-age patrons, and we have advocated for responsible consumption,” Powers says. “On campus where a student may be 21 and living in the residence halls, the environment is not controlled and you are with individuals who are not of legal age to consume alcohol.”
Powers says BJC staff are expected to undergo certification training before selling any alcohol. She also says that there will be an increased police presence at events where alcohol is sold.
“Alcohol can be consumed in a manner that adds no safety or security issues, and we believe if it’s done in a controlled way, in an environment where there are limits and restrictions built into the system, that those of legal age to drink will respond appropriately and responsibly,” Powers says.
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