Sports and alcohol go hand in hand. Never is there a commercial break without an alcohol advertisement. Individuals are meant to consume alcohol while watching their favorite teams. While this activity is promoted at professional sporting events, it is not in the collegiate ranks. Tailgating is fine, but once the ticket is handed to the ticket takers, the alcohol is left at the door. This policy exists for the University of Northern Iowa, but it may need to be changed.

Many pros exist as to why alcohol should be allowed at UNI sporting events. Other colleges have started selling this substance because of the generation of revenue. This revenue would further help the University of Northern Iowa’s athletic department wean itself off the state funding. The concession stands in the UNI-Dome and McLeod Center could sell cocktails and mixed drinks in addition to beer for increased diversity. 

Another pro of serving alcohol in UNI athletic facilities is students will have more reason to go to games. The student atmosphere can be better at UNI athletic events. Students like to go tailgating, but some like to return home to nap. This way, they are ready to go to the Hill or Main Street that night. With the serving of alcohol at UNI sporting events, this would help differentiate UNI from the other state universities. Prospective students may be interested in coming to UNI knowing alcohol is served at sporting events.

With any part of life, cons are present. The main concern is fans being rowdy and belligerently drunk at UNI games. Being rowdy from alcohol at the UNI-Dome causes fan overreactions and other fans being upset with the rowdy fans. Sporting events are customer experiences, and UNI needs to give off its best possible image.

The problem of belligerently drunk people will probably exist more at football games. The process of dealing with people this drunk is an ordeal for the employees, officers, and the fans. This drunk fan also causes a distraction to the event. The increased drinking due to the selling of alcohol may cause the requirement of more officers to be on site. This way, these problems are handled as fast as possible.

The discussion of whether alcohol should be sold at UNI events is an ongoing process. More pros and cons will continue to show up throughout this arguement. For a university like UNI, the school needs to exploit as many revenue streams as possible. Tapping this resource is a good idea.