Notre Dame to expand alcohol sales at football, basketball, hockey games
Notre Dame will expand alcohol sales to include general admission at football, basketball and hockey games, the University announced Friday.
Previously, only premium seating held the right to consume alcoholic beverages at Notre Dame Stadium, Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center and Compton Family Ice Arena. The University announced the change, which will take effect at the start of the 2025 football season, in a press release. It also included a short statement.
“The sale of alcoholic beverages at Notre Dame football, hockey and basketball games will expand to include both premium and general admission seating beginning with the 2025 football season,” the statement reads. “Fans will have the opportunity to purchase alcoholic beverages at concession stands inside Notre Dame Stadium, Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center and Compton Family Ice Arena.
“This expansion will provide for a modern fan experience, consistent with other professional and collegiate stadiums and venues throughout the nation. Notre Dame is committed to promoting responsible consumption and ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all attendees.”
The statement implied that alcohol will not be sold in general admission seating at the Blue-Gold Game on Saturday, given that it’s not technically part of the 2025 football season.
As the statement said, most major college football stadiums sell alcohol, primarily beer, to the general public. An ESPN survey in November 2023 found that 80 percent of them — 55 out of 69 power conference schools (and the Fighting Irish) at the time — do so. Michigan State, Kentucky and Stanford are some of the most recent to make the change happen.
According to ESPN, the number of schools who sell alcohol in football stadiums “picked up dramatically in the late 2010s,” beginning mostly with the Southeastern Conference.
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Notably, Michigan changed the state’s law. In July 2023, Governor Gretchen Whitmer lifted the state’s ban on alcohol being sold at college sporting events. Michigan State quickly changed its policy shortly thereafter.
“I didn’t have much trepidation because we’re not the first,” Marlon Lynch, Michigan State’s chief safety officer, said. “It’s been done for years.”
Notre Dame’s game day atmosphere has come under scrutiny in recent years, primarily for its “wine and cheese” reputation in comparison to rowdier environments around the country. However, Notre Dame Stadium was absolutely electric during the first-ever College Football Playoff game on campus on Dec. 20, when the Irish defeated Indiana 27-17.
Notre Dame’s home opener is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 13 against Texas A&M. Kickoff time is yet to be determined.
This story will be updated.
