Iowa Athletics Approve Beer, Wine Sales Throughout Kinnick Stadium This Fall

Sing it with me! "In heaven there is no beer, that's why we drink it here!  And when we're gone from here, all our friends will be drinking all that beer!" 

Hawkeye fans, it's time to rejoice because Iowa Athletics have announced that they are expanding beer and wine sales throughout Kinnick Stadium and other venues this fall. This is part of a pilot program which will be reviewed at the end of the academic year.

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In a press release on Thursday, the University of Iowa Athletics Department announced the creation of a pilot program to expand beer and wine sales at athletic facilities.  Beginning this fall, beer and wine will be available for purchase throughout Kinnick Stadium, with the exception of areas immediately adjacent to the respective student section.

Iowa Athletics announced that athletic events at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Duane Banks Field and Bob Pearl Field will also be included in the pilot program during the 2021-2022 school year.

Gary Barta, Henry B. and Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair said in the press release,

“We have been working with our campus partners on this for some time now and we are committed to maintaining a safe and enjoyable game day environment. While there is an opportunity for increased revenue, this decision was based on enhancing the fan experience and providing an additional amenity to our fans. At the conclusion of the 2021-22 academic year, we will work with our campus partners to review this pilot program.”

Officials say that 30% of net alcohol sales will be directed towards research-based initiatives developed and supported by the UI Alcohol Harm Reduction Committee which was formed in 2009 to decrease high-risk drinking and the related harmful consequences.

Iowa joins seven other Big Ten schools who currently sell beer and/or wine in public areas at its home football games. Approximately half of the schools from the Power 5 conferences will sell beer and/or wine at their home football games this fall.

in addition to the expansion of alcohol sales, the athletics department announced that they will also modify its parking lot hours as part of the pilot program.

In the past, the University of Iowa controlled parking lots opened for tailgating at 6 a.m. on game day, regardless of kickoff time. Beginning this fall, parking lots will open no more than six hours prior to kickoff and no earlier than 6 a.m. Parking on the night prior to football games will be limited to RVs only.

There are no changes in postgame policies.

University of Iowa Interim President John Keller said,

“We recognize that the pregame atmosphere around Kinnick Stadium is a significant part of the fan experience. We are adopting policies that encourage Hawkeyes to enjoy game day traditions while reducing underage access to alcohol and the negative impacts of binge drinking.”

Officials say that data from the 2019 season indicates 92% of vehicles utilizing university controlled lots on game day enter within six hours prior to kickoff.