Gov. Whitmer signs bill allowing alcohol sales at college stadiums, including at Michigan State
East Lansing, Mich. – Michigan State could soon join 11 other Big Ten schools in allowing alcohol sales at university sporting events thanks to Senate Bill 247, which was signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Tuesday.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo), permits the sale of alcoholic beverages at public university sporting events within the state of Michigan by allowing universities to apply for liquor licenses.
“Authorizing the legal sale of alcohol at sporting events will bring us on equal footing with other universities, help reduce the likelihood of binge drinking before games, and bring in a heck of a lot more revenue that we can use to improve the student experience. I am proud that we are getting this done and making fall evenings at the Spartan Stadium or the Big House safer and more fun,” Whitmer said in a statement.
McCann argued for “leveling the playing field” between patrons in the stands and those who watch the games from suites.
“I applaud the Governor for recognizing the inherent fairness issues contained in Senate Bill 247 and her signature on my legislation,” Sen. McCann said in a statement. “It is a basic issue of equality to patrons: why should VIPs get to enjoy the beverage of their choice and other attendees not? This levels the playing field and will allow all patrons 21 and over at intercollegiate sporting events the ability to enjoy the event with an alcoholic beverage if they choose to.”
Rep. Graham Filler (R-Clinton County) has been an advocate for alcohol sales at universities for two years, according to his website. He introduced a House version of the legislation in 2022.
“Imagine sitting in the stands at Spartan Stadium on game day with a cold beer in your hands surrounded by all the contagious energy of the crowd – that’s the kind of experience that unites fans from all walks of life,” Filler said in a statement. “But the ability for college sports stadiums to sell alcohol is not just about creating a more enjoyable experience for fans, it’s also about fostering a responsible and safe environment. By promoting responsible consumption, implementing age verification measures, and offering diverse beverage options, we can create an unforgettable experience where fans revel in the game while enjoying their favorite drinks in moderation.”
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Now it is up to the universities to decide whether or not they want to allow alcohol sales at sporting events. Should a university choose to, it could apply for licenses for 100 total days per calendar year.
Alcohol sales would begin one hour before the event and conclude at the end of the event, according to the bill. All consumption would end 30 minutes after the conclusion of the event.
The University of Nebraska is now the only Big Ten school to prohibit alcohol sales at sporting events, according to Front Office Sports. The NCAA originally lifted its ban on alcohol sales in 2019.
The bill also allows for alcohol sales for five days of the year at non-athletic events. The Senate approved the bill 36-2, while the House passed it with a vote of 85-23.
