UB Athletics and Campus Dining and Shops are waiting for approval about serving alcohol at UB Stadium and Alumni Arena, according to Faculty Student Association board meeting minutes from Sept. 10.
The proposal for alcohol would allow CDS to serve beer at UB football and basketball games. In the past, athletics employees have said UB football is catered toward families.
“The university is exploring the opportunity to sell beer at football and men’s and women’s basketball games,” said UB spokesperson Kate McKenna in an email. “Alcohol service is common within the [Mid-American Conference] and UB remains committed to a family atmosphere while providing responsible amenities for fans.”
UB Athletics approached CDS’ executive director Jeff Brady about the plan in May, according to the board meeting minutes.
CDS, a business under UB’s nonprofit auxiliary service corporation FSA, submitted the application, but its status is pending, according to the board meeting minutes.
FSA’s executive board approved the alcohol license submission in July, but the submission is waiting for approval from the New York State Liquor Authority.
McKenna said the addition of alcohol is to “enhance” the game experience for fans. There are no details yet on if this will change Buffalo’s tailgating rules for games, either.
If New York State approves the license, UB Stadium will be one of two collegiate stadiums in New York –– including the Carrier Dome at Syracuse –– to serve alcohol. Currently, six schools in the MAC sell alcohol at its games. Many universities nationwide have applied for liquor licenses in recent years to help with attendance.
The university has not released any details about how alcohol will be served at games.
Update:
FSA, under the name “UBFSA Services Inc.,” filed for liquor licenses at UB Stadium and Alumni Arena on Sept. 11 and Sept. 13, respectively. Both filings were listed under the trade name "Three Pillars Catering," or Campus Dining and Shops’ catering service, according to New York State Liquor Authority records. The licenses offer details into proposed bars, including a beer garden at UB Stadium. The Alumni Arena filings include bar proposals for the arena’s “Bull Pen” area on the first floor and another on the second floor, according to New York State Liquor Authority records. UB Stadium filings include proposed bars in the Edmond J. Gicewicz Club, the President’s Suite and the stadium's first-tier "Corral." Both UB Stadium and Alumni Arena liquor license filings are pending state approval, as of Nov. 8.
*Benjamin Blanchet contributed to this reporting.
Thomas Zafonte is the senior sports editor and can be reached at: thomas.zafonte@ubspectrum.com and @Thomas_Spectrum.
Thomas Zafonte is a senior English major. He is a UB sports fan and enjoys traveling around Buffalo.
