Kentucky to test alcohol sales at baseball, softball games this season

The moment we’ve been waiting for is finally here. Well, almost.

Kentucky will allow alcohol sales at baseball and softball home games this season, Mitch Barnhart just announced. The sales will be part of a pilot program to determine whether or not to expand alcohol sales to other sports like football and basketball. Kentucky Baseball opens its home schedule Tuesday, Feb. 21 vs. Evansville at Kentucky Proud Park. The Kentucky Softball season starts March 8 vs. Dayton at John Cropp Stadium.

Here are the rules:

• Alcohol beverage sales will include beer and seltzer products, sold in cans or cups
• Sales will have a limit of two per transaction.
• Identification check will take place at each transaction.
• Alcohol sales at baseball will conclude at the completion of the top of the seventh inning (i.e., middle of the seventh).
• Alcohol sales at softball will conclude at the completion of the top of the fifth inning (i.e., middle of the fifth).

“Our priority is, as always, to positively impact our student-athletes and the experience of our fans,” Barnhart said. “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.”

“Mitch and his team moved thoughtfully through a process that led to this pilot program,” said UK President Eli Capilouto.  “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.”

Does this mean alcohol will be sold to the general public at football games this fall? UK Athletics says it will decide that this summer based on the results of the pilot program. So, be on your best behavior.

If you have any more questions, I’ll direct you to UK Athletics’ lengthy FAQ on the matter. Cheers!

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