Kentucky announces fans can buy alcohol at baseball, softball games as part of pilot program

Kentucky fans can now have a cold one at the ballpark. The Wildcats announced Friday baseball and softball fans can buy alcohol at games starting this season as part of a pilot program.

Fans can buy beer and seltzer products at games as the university decides whether or not to sell alcohol at other sporting events such as football or basketball in the future. Kentucky’s first home baseball game is scheduled for Feb. 21 while the softball team’s home opener is set for March 8.

“Our priority is, as always, to positively impact our student athletes and the experience of our fans,” Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart said in a statement. “As has been our longstanding practice, we approached this deliberately, keeping in mind our priorities and principles. We focused on data and the lessons learned and best practices from other institutions. 

“After careful consideration of these factors, we concluded that the time is right to implement a pilot program at baseball and softball games this season so that we can learn more.”

Fans will be able to buy alcohol at baseball games until the seventh inning and at softball games until the fifth. They will be limited to two drinks per transaction, according to the announcement.

“Mitch and his team moved thoughtfully through a process that led to this pilot program,” Kentucky president Eli Capilouto said in a statement. “The decision to initiate a pilot program is one that the institution grappled with, and the methodical approach taken by the athletics department will lead to the best experience for our student-athletes and sports fans alike. It is through that lens that we will make decisions about future seasons.”

Kentucky baseball started its season Friday against Elon. The Wildcats softball team’s opening day was last week and they’re off to a 2-1-1 start to the year.