Mike Bobinski wants Purdue fans to have the best game day experience possible.
He thinks expanding alcohol sales in Ross-Ade Stadium and Mackey Arena can do that. So that's what Purdue has done, it announced Wednesday.
Starting this fall, beer and wine will be available for purchase throughout both venues, with the exception of the concourse area immediately adjacent to the respective student sections, a press release said.
Alcohol has been sold in Ross-Ade's premium sections and suites since 2003, as well as at the south end zone patio since 2015. It has been available in club spaces since 2011 in Mackey Arena.
“We had extensive discussions with campus police and safety and security, and what we learned is that our fans have responded very favorably to being able to purchase beer and wine on the south end zone patio,” Bobinski said in a statement. “The atmosphere in the South End Zone is very positive, and there have been fewer alcohol-related incidents on game days since its inception. As a result, in an attempt to further enhance our game day experience and provide an additional amenity for our fans, we believe the time is right to offer this expanded opportunity.
“At the same time, fan safety and enjoyment remain our top priorities, and we will closely monitor the expanded service to ensure that our objectives are being met."
Other athletics facilities at Purdue — Alexander Field, Bittinger Stadium and Folk Field — have sold beer and wine since as early as 2014.
Bobinski was given authorization to proceed by the Purdue Board of Trustees and president Mitch Daniels.
Alcohol sales will cease at the end of the third quarter at football games, at the second half under 12-minute timeout at men’s basketball games and at the end of the third quarter at women’s basketball games.
In conjunction with the expanded beer and wine sales, Purdue will implement a no re-entry policy for Ross-Ade in 2017. It's already the policy at Mackey.
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