Vanderbilt is fifth SEC school to sell beer

Revenue to help fund "facility enhancements"

Who, when, where to buy beer at Vandy games

Vanderbilt will sell alcohol at home football games this season, and the revenue will help fund facility upgrades, the university announced Wednesday.

Domestic and imported beers will be available for purchase through the stadium's licensed vendor, Spectra, in public areas of Vanderbilt Stadium, beginning with the Aug. 31 season opener against No. 3 Georgia.

Expanded alcohol sales at other Vanderbilt athletic events will be determined at a later date, according to a university news release.

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Vanderbilt's announcement comes after the SEC lifted its ban on alcohol sales in public areas, allowing each member school to decide whether it will sell alcohol at games. At least four other SEC schools — Arkansas, LSU, Missouri and Texas A&M — will sell alcohol at football games this season. Tennessee is developing a policy to possibly sell alcohol this season.

Will alcohol help fund a Vanderbilt stadium project?

In the Vanderbilt release, athletics director Malcolm Turner said alcohol sales will "enhance our fan experience" and provide resources for athletes like "facility enhancements and in other areas."

A portion of revenue also will be used to support prevention and education programming on campus related to alcohol use, the release said.

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Vanderbilt is developing a master athletic facilities plan under Turner, who became athletics director on Feb. 1. Small upgrades are already under way with a new videoboard and restroom renovations in the football stadium.

Turner and coach Derek Mason said there will be upgrades to the football locker room and team facilities, with most of the work beginning after this season.

But the biggest project will be the long-term plan for Vanderbilt Stadium, which has not undergone a major renovation since 1981. It could be replaced or undergo a major renovation. Turner said he will consider all options, but there have been no announcements about the stadium plan.

Who, when, where on buying beer at Vanderbilt games

Fans 21 years and older with a valid identification can purchase alcohol at Vanderbilt home games, with a limit of two beers per person at one time.

Alcohol sales will begin when stadium gates open two hours prior to kickoff. Per SEC policy, sales will end at the conclusion of the third quarter. Beer lines will be closed with three minutes remaining in the third quarter, and only fans already standing in line will be allowed to purchase alcohol.

Beer can be purchased at each of the four main gates, stationary vendors throughout the main concourse and the north concession stand of The Bridge area. Craft beers will be sold in the north end zone area. The SEC does not allow vendors in general seating areas.

Who will sell alcohol in Tennessee, SEC?

Tennessee schools have been more open to selling alcohol than some other southeastern states. Memphis, MTSU and possibly the University of Tennessee will sell alcohol at football games this season.

Alcohol has been sold at Memphis home games at the off-campus Liberty Bowl since 2009.

MTSU started selling alcohol last season at football, basketball and baseball games on the concourse for fans in general seating areas. It generated nearly $50,000 in gross revenue with MTSU earning about $19,000 in commission over six home football games in 2018. Revenue numbers for basketball and baseball game are not yet available.

UT is taking steps toward selling alcohol at football, basketball and soccer games, but there are still obstacles. The Knoxville Beer Board is ready to approve alcohol sales at Neyland Stadium, Thompson-Boling Arena and Regal Soccer Stadium, if certain criteria are met.

But a timetable to begin alcohol sales at UT games has not been determined.

In the SEC, Arkansas, LSU, Missouri and Texas A&M have announced they will sell alcohol at home football games this season. Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi State and South Carolina will not sell alcohol this season.

Florida and Ole Miss have not announced their decision.

Reach Adam Sparks at asparks@tennessean.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks.