(WXYZ) — Michigan State University announced that its Board of Trustees voted Wednesday to approve alcohol sales at certain venues on campus.
The move comes after lawmakers approved the proposal and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the change into law across the state.
“The actions we are taking today create a better fan experience for Spartans and those visiting our athletic venues,” said Board Chair Rema Vassar, Ph.D., in a press release. “Amending our alcoholic beverage ordinance to limit alcohol-related incidents creates a more welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone.”
The university cited data that reportedly showed regulating alcohol purchases during athletic events helps to reduce binge drinking.
We asked graduate Katie Kidd if she feels like it would make the experience safer.
“It’s MSU. People are going to binge drink. Any college town, students binge drink,” said Kidd.
Mariyah Park, a senior at MSU, says she thinks it's a good move.
“I think it could be a good idea. It definitely depends on how much it costs. Definitely," said Park.
Another MSU student, Ryan Miskelly, also shared skepticism over one of the claims.
“I don’t know how much it would cut down on binge drinking. I think honestly it’ll just increase the drinking,” said Miskelly.
However, Kidd believes steps will be taken to maintain a safe atmosphere.
“They’ll have so much security there, if anyone gets out of hand, they’ll take them right out,” said Kidd.
MSU is now the 13th university in the Big Ten to announce plans to sell alcohol in athletic venues and the 10th to offer alcohol in its football stadium.
The university is planning to open sales starting on September 16 when MSU takes on Washington at Spartan Stadium.
Additional venues will potentially include the Breslin Students Events Center, Munn Ice Arena and Old College Field.
“This decision improves the gameday experience for members of our community as they come together to support our university,” said Alan Haller, vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics at MSU, in a press release. “Providing the opportunity for fans to safely and responsibly consume alcohol at Spartan Stadium and some of our other venues offers them the same amenities they enjoy when supporting Spartans on the road at many of our Big Ten peer institutions.”
MSU says money raised will go to campus infrastructure, substance disorder programs, and other student programs. No additional information about prices or screening to prevent underage drinking has been made available yet.
So far, the University of Michigan has only said discussions on campus remain underway with no decision made.
