Indiana University Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Fred Glass reported today on a series of positive results from IU Athletics’ pilot beer and wine sales program at its home football games during the 2019 season.
In addition to exceeding the projected net sales figures forecast by the consulting firm Wasserman in recommending the program, IUPD and IU Event Services reported a significant decline in alcohol-related incidents in and around Memorial Stadium at IU’s six home football games this fall.
“Our main goal with this initiative was to enhance the gameday experience for our fans and to reduce alcohol-related incidents in and around the stadium, and we succeeded on both fronts,” said Glass. “In addition to those positive results, we are also pleased to be able to support substance use prevention programming for all students on the Bloomington campus from the proceeds of this program.”
The total gross revenue from beer and wine sales at IU’s six home football games in 2019 was just over $470,000. After expenses and revenue sharing, IU Athletics netted just over $200,000, exceeding Wasserman’s original projections of $171,000.
In addition, the Indiana University Police Department and IU Event Services recorded a total of 40 alcohol-related incidents during IU’s six 2019 home football games for an average of 6.67 per game. Those totals are significantly lower than in each of the last three years, when there was an average of 59 incidents/season for an average of 8.85 per game. The 6.67 incidents/game this season represents a 25 percent decrease compared to the 8.85 incidents/game during the 2016-18 seasons.
“Controlled alcohol sales not only enhance the game day experience, they assist our public safety officials by reducing binge drinking by fans prior to coming into the venue. We were impressed with the overall care, detail and safety of this pilot program,” said Associate Vice President for Public Safety and Institutional Assurance and Superintendent for Public Safety Benjamin Hunter.
Also, in accordance with the guidelines of the pilot program, IU Athletics will share 10 percent of the net sales revenues, or just over $20,000, with the IU Dean of Students Office in support of substance use prevention programming for all students on the Bloomington campus.
“The Division of Student Affairs is working to create a safe and healthy community,” said Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Dave O’Guinn. “The support provided for substance use prevention programming will provide students with the skills and tools they need to make healthy decisions and empower them to step in to help fellow Hoosiers.”
