Phil Esten, associate athletics director for the Gophers, told Sports Headliners that if the Vikings play at TCF Bank Stadium the issue of selling alcohol at the facility will need to be discussed. “If it does come to that fact we would have to sit down and talk about it,” he said.
There’s no doubt that Vikings decision makers will ask to play at the University’s new facility if the Metrodome is unavailable in future years. Owner Zygi Wilf and others want to see a new domed stadium constructed on the existing Metrodome site, meaning that for a couple of years the Vikings will need a home at the University.
Because there are about 14,000 fewer seats at TCF compared to the dome, the Vikings will lose ticket revenues. The absence of income from the sale of alcohol would further diminish revenues. Metrodome executive director Bill Lester said the Vikings receive about $1 million annually from food and beverage sales, but didn’t have a figure for the franchise’s share of alcohol revenues.
The University does have a liquor license with the city and permission could be given to sell alcohol at Vikings games but athletics director Joel Maturi said the issue goes beyond that. The University and surrounding community have been told in the past that no more than 12 events attracting crowds of 15,000 or greater will be held annually in TCF Bank Stadium, Maturi added. Still, public pressure will likely be such that the University will allow the Vikings to play at the stadium
Meanwhile, the University Board of Regents approved president Bob Bruininks recommendation yesterday to not make alcohol available in TCF Bank Stadium for Gophers games and other athletic events. The original intent was to provide alcohol in stadium premium seating areas (as done in the suites at the basketball and hockey arenas) but the state legislature and governor recently enacted legislation directing that alcohol be available to all fans or none.
TCF Bank club seating and other premium ticket purchasers had been told for some time that they could purchase alcohol at games and Esten said the University feels “bad” about what’s developed. “It’s not what we want, but it’s the hand we’ve been dealt,” he said.
Maturi said an announcement is expected later this week describing options that premium purchasers now have because of new developments. He said reaction has been at “both extremes” including those who are upset about not being able to entertain with alcohol.
Given the alternative of a “dry” facility, or making alcohol available to everyone including students of drinking age, Esten said the decision was easy for the University. The rationale to be socially responsible in a “culture” that promotes binge and under age college drinking is a high priority, Esten said.
Eight other Big Ten schools provide alcohol in premium seating areas. Michigan, Ohio State and Minnesota don’t, according to Esten. He also said Cincinnati and Syracuse are the only schools with on-campus stadiums that sell alcohol throughout their facilities.
Esten said fans who have access to pre-purchased parking in designated tailgating surface parking lots will be able to consume alcohol. There will be about 9,000 parking spaces on the East Campus (nearest the stadium) and they will be available only by advance purchase. Other football parking will be available on the West Bank Campus, St. Paul Campus and at the State Fairgrounds.