General | January 8, 2020
PHILADELPHIA – La Salle Athletics will partner with its concessionaire, Aramark, to begin a pilot program that will sell alcoholic beverages within Tom Gola Arena at TruMark Financial Center for the remainder of the 2019-20 men's basketball season, school officials announced on Thursday.
"Our athletics department staff has reviewed data and best practices pertaining to alcohol sales at peer institutions within the Atlantic 10 and around the country," Director of Athletics and Recreation
Brian Baptiste said.
"Currently, nine other conference institutions sell alcohol to the public during basketball games," Baptiste continued. "We believe this pilot program will enhance the game-day experience for our fan base."
Beginning Saturday, Jan. 11 with the men's basketball game against George Mason, beer and hard cider will be available for purchase by fans 21 and over on the mezzanine level of Tom Gola Arena, in addition to The Hideaway Tent location.
The sale of alcoholic beverages inside Tom Gola Arena for men's basketball games will begin 60 minutes prior to tipoff and conclude at the end of halftime. Fans with a valid ID will only be able to purchase two drinks per transaction at the designated location on the mezzanine level of the Arena. There will be no hawkers in the arena selling alcohol and all drinks will be poured into a cup when sold. Alcoholic beverages will be prohibited in the student section.
La Salle's concessions partner, Aramark, will have trained professionals serving and selling alcoholic beverages during games, with safe server training required for all serving parties. All state and federal laws as well as University regulations will be complied with, and alcohol service will be discontinued at Aramark's discretion.
The pilot program, which will be completed with the final home men's basketball game of the season, aligns with a rising trend among NCAA Division I institutions. In 2016, the NCAA began selling beer and wine at the NCAA Baseball and Softball College World Series, and in 2019, added the Division I Men's and Women's Basketball Championships, as well as other events. The College Football Playoff games also have alcohol for sale within the venues that host those contests each year.
A year-end survey will be distributed to fans upon the conclusion of the season, allowing the department to properly evaluate the program.
"We are excited to implement this program, and look forward to receiving feedback when the season is complete," Baptiste said. "This is just another step in connecting with and engaging our loyal fan base."
