The Air Force Academy will join the seven other Mountain West Conference schools in selling beer and wine during games at Falcon Stadium starting this season, according to an announcement today from Director of Athletics Jim Knowlton. Service will be available in designated locations above sections M1 and M15 (inside gates 5 and 6) only and fans will be allowed to take it back to their seats.

Falcon Stadium gates open two hours prior to kickoff and cash only sales will open 60 minutes prior to kickoff. Customers will be limited to two beverages at a time and sales will end after the mid-point of the third quarter. There will be no sales to cadets or cadet candidates, any individuals in uniform or anyone without appropriate picture identification.

"We started a fan-engagement committee two years ago and one of the desired improvements was to offer alcohol in a controlled setting at games," Knowlton said. "We have worked hard with our teammates on base to ensure we have best practices in place to keep Falcon Stadium a family-friendly environment. We are confident we can do this responsibly and successfully and add to the fan experience."

Air Force athletics experimented with alcohol sales for other outside events last year, including the American Kickoff concert with Tim McGraw and the Brad Paisley College Nation Tour at Stillman Field and both were successful endeavors.. The sales will be managed by the Academy's 10th Force Support Squadron, which handles alcohol sales in other venues on base.

This is another of many fan experience upgrades to Falcon Stadium recently. Some of the other initiatives include a complete remodel of the Blue and Silver area in the press box and two new video boards, new sound system, ribbon displays and a marquee in front of Falcon Stadium.

Air Force opens the season Sept. 2 against Virginia Military Institute at 12 p.m. MT. The Falcons enter the season with a six-game winning streak, the sixth longest active streak in the country. Air Force has posted a 17-1 home record the last three seasons.