Beer, Wine on Tap at Games in Kenan

Posted on Aug. 20, 2019

Carolina will sell beer and wine at home football games beginning Sept. 7.

Following passage of a state law that permits alcohol sales at sports and entertainment venues on state university campuses — and the UNC trustees’ approval — beer and wine will be sold at 20 concession stands in Kenan Stadium. Athletics officials have not decided whether to sell alcohol at other sports events.

Sales will begin 90 minutes before kickoff and end at the beginning of the second half of the game. Sales will not be permitted in student sections. Per state law, only one alcoholic beverage per customer will be allowed per transaction.

Proceeds from sales will go to the University to benefit the Carolina Covenant program that enables qualifying students from low-income families to graduate debt-free, the Faculty Excellence Program and an alcohol education program in coordination with the Office of Student Affairs.

“Operational details are still being finalized with priorities on safety, control and training,” Athletics Director Bubba Cunningham wrote in a letter to football ticket holders. “We will closely monitor sales and the impact on our gameday atmosphere.

“Permitting the sale of alcohol in college stadiums has become much more prevalent across the country over the last few years, including during NCAA championships and ACC tournaments. In recent seasons, many of you have expressed strong interest in having beer and wine sold at games, and the change in law allows us to move forward with this effort alongside many of our fellow state schools.”

The trustees gave their blessing in April, contingent on passage of a law that allows the state’s 16 public universities to issue ABC permits at campus events. In June, Gov. Roy Cooper ’79 (’82 JD) signed into law a bill passed by both houses of the N.C. General Assembly.

The trustees authorized beer and wine sales at 15 UNC athletics venues, including Kenan and the Dean Smith Center.

The law’s allowance includes performing arts centers, hotels, golf courses and eating establishments on the campuses. Sale of mixed drinks is not permitted by the new law.

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