PULLMAN, Wash – If you want a beer at a WSU football game this fall, don’t expect to buy it at the regular concession stands.
After years of “will they or won’t they” conversations about beer sales in the stadium, a WSU spokesperson told 4 News Now this week, they’re not asking to expand the service this year.
“We are, however, planning to sell alcohol at the locations with have traditionally sold adult beverages such as the Hollingbery Fieldhouse, which open for pre-game festivities,” said WSU Vice President of Marketing and Communications Phil Weiler.
Beer and liquor sales are also offered in the club and suite levels of the stadium as well as designated areas on the practice field before games and at halftime.
News articles show this discussion dating back as far as 2016.
WSU asked the Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board then to allow the university to expand sales throughout the stadium with the exception of the student section.
The board has never approved the request.
In an email to 4 News Now this week, a spokesperson for the LCB said it just approved a temporary liquor license for the same locations as previous years. It’s temporary, they explained, because a new vendor has taken over stadium catering.
That vendor, ARAMARK, provides catering for University of Washington’s stadium as well.
“While ARAMARK has not requested in-stadium beer sales yet, we anticipate that it will at some point,” said Brian Smith, Communications Director for the Liquor and Cannabis Board. “The company has done well with its pilot at UW’s stadium. We would consider their proposal if it is supported by WSU leadership and public safety officials.”
When asked about this, Weiler said WSU is not requesting beer sales within the bowl at Gesa Field.
WSU has expanded beer sales at basketball games.
In 2023, WSU began offering beer and wine to fans throughout Beasley Coliseum, except in the student section.
WSU opens its season Saturday against Portland State.
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