The Michigan college sports landscape is changing, quickly. And I’m not talking about changes on the field. The change is at the concession stand. Schools here are looking to raise more revenue by starting to sell alcohol at football and other school events.
At its first-ever homecoming concert Oct. 2, Central Michigan University sold beer at McGuirk Arena. University Recreation Assistant Vice-President Stan Shingles took a casual stance on the issue. He was quoted by TV 7&4 recently: “We’re not doing anything earth shattering or revolutionary. This is all stuff that’s been done before.” Well, not exactly Stan.
USA Today reports that just 32 schools last year started selling beer at football games, and the idea is spreading here in Michigan.
Northern Michigan University in Marquette started selling beer at football games September 12. Beer will also be available at Wildcat hockey and basketball games.
Eastern Michigan University tried a one game test on September 19th and despite losing $3,000, the school called the test a success. EMU says, however, it probably won’t try it again this year.
A year ago Ohio State Athletic Director Gene Smith was against the idea of selling beer before he was for it. The Buckeyes started selling beer and wine at home games Sept. 12 when the number one team in the nation hosted Hawaii, a first for Ohio Stadium since it opened in 1922. Smith rationalized the school’s decision by saying, “our primary objective is to respond to our customers.” Interestingly, Ohio State is only selling beer and wine to a very select few of these customers: those in the stadium’s 81 suites and club seats, or about 4% of capacity. The unwashed in Columbus will have to drink before they come into the Horseshoe.
Recently Bridge Magazine ran a 3-part series outlining the severe problem of college binge drinking in Michigan. The report is frightening.
Last year a Michigan State Freshman died of alcohol poisoning before classes had even begun. Her blood alcohol content was .41, which is more than FIVE times the limit to be considered too drunk to drive.
This summer in Ann Arbor a 21 year old student fell to his death with a blood alcohol level of .20. A driver is considered super-drunk in Michigan at .17.
Bridge Magazine also reports that last October an 18 year old at Central Michigan student drowned in a pond after a night of drinking.
The problem, however, didn’t just start recently. In 1988 a Michigan State student died of alcohol poisoning after reportedly drinking 24 shots on his 21st birthday. Something cavalierly referred to these days as “21 for 21”- a way to celebrate your 21st birthday. His friends had written “24 shots” on his forehead and painted his nose red. They called for help the next morning after realizing he had stopped breathing. In April of 1999 his parents began sending birthday cards to students just before their 21st birthday reminding them to celebrate responsibly.
Yes, I get it. Schools are trying to find news revenue streams. And in a state that boasts one of the most robust brewing sectors in the nation, it’s understandable that thoughts of making money off of beer sales interests administrations. However, given the extreme problem of college binge drinking in this state- perhaps schools could think less about money and more about the overall message they are sending.
