ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Football fans cheering on the Michigan Wolverines with beer during their August game against the Fresno State Bulldogs in the Big House.
The University of Michigan Board of Regents voted Tuesday, May 16, to allow the athletics department to sell alcohol during football games beginning with the upcoming football season starting on August 31.
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Alcohol is already sold during events at the Yost Ice Arena and Crisler Center.
The Big House will have a Class C liquor license, which allows an establishment like a restaurant or bar to sell and serve, spirits, mixed drinks, beer and wine.
The Board of Regents approved asking for liquor licenses from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission in October 2023. Initial alcohol sales were rolled out during specific athletic events in February 2024 at Yost and Crisler.
No medical issues or drunken behavior related to sales at the two venues have been reported, according to Michigan News.
To ensure safety during alcohol sales at the venues, the athletics department partnered with other university departments, like the Division of Public Safety and Security and Risk Management.
U-M and the Board of Regents reviewed sales and procedures at Yost and Crisler before implementing the liquor license at Michigan Stadium, and to remain compliant with state laws.
Fans wanting to drink during games must show an ID during every purchase and can only buy two drinks at a time for each guest age 21 and older in their group.
Officials said there will be messaging encouraging responsible drinking at the sports venues.
Some of the revenue from alcohol sales will pay for Michigan Athletics operational costs and go towards Michigan research projects.