If two things could sum up America's obsessions, they might be football and beer.
Yet despite its potential to bring in revenue, many colleges - including UB - have decided that beer sales and campus football games don't go together.
College campuses have varied policies regarding alcohol sales at athletic events; Many SUNY schools, which tend to have relatively low-profile athletic programs, choose not to serve alcohol at collegiate football games.
"Determining whether or not to sell alcohol at athletic events is a campus-based decision," said Dave Henahan, director of media relations for SUNY. "Decisions are day-to-day, and we have made sure campuses have the autonomy they need to make good decisions.
Vice President of Student Affairs Dennis Black said that UB doesn't need to sell alcohol at athletic events to promote a good time.
"These are college events, designed for college students, and alcohol does not mesh with the goals or purposes of the programs," he said.
Paul Vecchio, assistant director of Athletics Communications, agrees with UB's choice not to sell beer at athletic events.
"We've looked at other schools, and the trend across the country is not to sell alcohol at the games," he said.
Yet some schools, including nearby Syracuse University, not following the crowd can provide much-needed income for an athletics program.
"The building has been opened since 1980, and we've been selling beer since we opened 25 years ago," said Patrick Campbell, managing director of the Carrier Dome. "It comes with football. Tailgating is part of the game."
Campbell said the amount of money Syracuse earns through beer makes it an indispensable commodity.
"Huge revenue," he said. "There's lots of money, and more stadiums are doing it. Alcohol isn't against the law, and our fans want it. They like the option, and with that available, we take the responsibility of students' safety."
Campbell said Syracuse makes sure it assumes the responsibilities that come with selling alcohol.
"We train the staff, the ushers and the ticket takers on the 'I'm Smart' program, which teaches the responsibilities of serving alcohol," Campbell said. "We also make available a ride home. It's not taken often, but it is available."
Campbell said that from his experience, alcohol-related incidents at Syracuse have actually been on the decline in the past decade.
"We went from five arrests a game to five arrests a year," he said.
But according to Vecchio, the money isn't worth the security risks at UB sporting events.
"I guess there's a chance we could lose money," said Vecchio. "But at what price do we pay for an unsafe situation? There's a balance between revenue and a safe, enjoyable atmosphere for everyone."
SUNY Cortland sticks with UB in its choice to prohibit alcohol sales at games.
Daniel MacNeill, head football coach at Cortland, said he thinks alcohol shouldn't be used to create a more enjoyable event, but tailgating still helps build team spirit.
"I don't totally disagree with the no-alcohol stand, but is spirit lacking from the Cortland environment tailgating atmosphere?" he said. "Maybe, but it's not right or wrong."
Charles Voger, SUNY Albany's director of marketing and corporate sales, said his school has the same alcohol-free athletic atmosphere.
Voger said that although Albany does sell beer at homecoming, it's been standard policy not to sell it at games.
"We don't serve it, and we don't promote it," he said.
UB sold alcohol at athletic events before New York State changed the legal drinking age to 21 in 1987, according to John Grela, director of public safety.
"We used to sell beer at the games," he said. "We didn't get good attendance at the beer tent though, and since they built the new stands, nobody has requested it. Alcohol does bring problems."
Alcohol has been made available in the past at events such as SpringFest and FallFest, and South Campus used to have its own bar, according to Grela.
"Years ago there was beer and wine sold at the Rathskeller (a caf?(c) in the former Norton Union) on the campus on Main Street," Grela said. "When the drinking age changed, the decision was made to do away with the alcohol."
Many UB students said they are in favor of serving alcohol at sports games.
"Why wouldn't they?" said Lindsey Snyder, a senior nursing major. "If you're of age, you should be able to drink at the games. It just makes sense."
Kristen Downey, freshman psychology major, agreed.
"Everywhere with a lot of school spirit serves alcohol," she said. "It's directly related. More people would definitely come to the games, and it would make a better atmosphere for the fans and the players."
