CLARKSVILLE – Adding to the ongoing fan experience improvements before and during football games at Fortera Stadium, Austin Peay State University's athletics department will implement alcohol sales at a new beer garden inside the stadium beginning with the home opener, August 29.
During the summer, a group led by Director of Athletics Gerald Harrison began developing policies, infrastructure and partnerships to support the responsible sale of alcohol at Fortera Stadium. Throughout the process, Austin Peay athletics staff required policies that emphasized safety and security of fans before, during and after events.
"Since my arrival I have emphasized the need to improve our fan experience at our contests," said Harrison. Our team has worked with our campus and business partners to find creative ways to accomplish that goal. I appreciate the hard work of everyone involved to develop a plan for alcohol sales at home games that will also promote the safety and enjoyment of our fans.
"First and foremost, we are committed to providing a safe, family-friendly atmosphere in our venues. We will work diligently with our partners in the community to ensure that standard is met."
A variety of domestic and imported beers will be available for purchase through the university's licensed vendor, Chartwells, within governing regulations. Alcohol will be served only by trained concessions team members.
The new policy will not permit alcohol sales at Tailgate Alley, the new Stache Street – the two designated pregame fan experience areas outside the stadium – or in the seating areas at Fortera Stadium.
Any potential expansion of alcohol sales at additional Austin Peay Athletics venues and events will be determined at a later date.
BEER GARDEN SALES
Trained and licensed servers made available by Chartwell's will sell beer in the Beer Garden located in the southeast corner of the stadium property, across the field from the current VIPeay experience. Fans wishing to purchase alcohol must get a wristband that will be provided at a tent located between Gates 2 and 3 of Fortera Stadium and must have that wristband on when purchasing alcohol in the beer garden.
A maximum of two alcoholic beverages may be purchased per transaction and fans are asked to be patient while waiting to be served.
Beer sales will begin once the gates are opened to the general public and conclude at the end of the third quarter. At no time will alcoholic beverages be allowed to leave the Beer Garden. Personnel at the Beer Garden entry will ensure that all cups containing alcohol will be emptied as patrons exit the area.
WE ID
All patrons will be required to produce a valid photo ID when obtaining their wristband prior to entering the stadium. Accepted photo IDs must have the holder's birthday and include valid driver's licenses, military ID cards, passports, and government-issued photo ID cards.
Patrons consuming alcohol must be able to produce a valid photo ID at all times. Stadium personnel may ask to see an ID at locations away from the point of sale. Anyone consuming alcohol must be able to prove – at any time or location – they are age 21 or older.
STADIUM SECURITY
Law enforcement officers and game day staff will be trained and focused to recognize binge drinking, underage drinking, and other alcohol-related incidents in all areas of the stadium.
Individuals will be escorted from the stadium and subject to legal prosecution if they pass off alcohol to a minor, attempt to use a fake ID, are intoxicated or do not provide proper Photo ID when requested by stadium personnel.
Fans who witness inappropriate fan behavior, medical issues or custodial issues are encouraged to notify the nearest usher who will contact the appropriate stadium personnel to remedy the problem.
