Florida to sell alcohol at football, men’s basketball games

Florida is the latest school to start selling alcohol at sporting events.

The University Athletic Association, the school’s fundraising arm for athletics, announced Wednesday it will offer beer and wine sales in premium seating at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and at men’s basketball games in the O'Connell Center beginning this fall.

Like most programs around the country, the Gators are looking to create a new revenue stream at a time when costs are on the rise as schools pay athletes a monthly stipend.

Florida also has about $100 million in on-campus projects under way and more planned. So selling alcohol meets a demand and brings in extra cash.

Beer and wine will be sold in the Holloway Touchdown Terrace and the Evans Champions Club at football games this season, and in premium seats at the O'Dome, which will soon begin a $65 million renovation.

Alcohol sales have become common on college campuses, including at NCAA championships sites for baseball and softball. At least 34 schools sell beer at football games, including at least 14 that limit the sale to luxury suites and/or club areas.

Five SEC schools sell alcohol at football games and three at basketball.

The Gators had been reluctant to sell alcohol on campus, especially under former school president Bernie Machen. Machen fought to deter alcohol abuse and binge drinking on campus, and even campaigned against the annual Florida-Georgia football game using the moniker “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” in 2006.

This story was originally published March 2, 2016 at 2:44 PM with the headline "Florida to sell alcohol at football, men’s basketball games."