PLATTSBURGH — A new pilot program will allow SUNY Plattsburgh Cardinal hockey fans to purchase alcoholic beverages from the concession stand during this weekend’s men’s game.
The program, a campus dining push, is part of a number of initiatives that SUNY Plattsburgh and the Athletic Department have instituted in recent years to enhance the game day experience for fans attending Cardinal athletic events, such as a live DJ, Score-O intermission competitions and theme games, Heather Haskins, Executive Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing for SUNY Plattsburgh, said by email.
“A number of NCAA schools, including some of our closest competitors have been serving alcohol at various events,” she said.
“Any initiative taken on by Cardinal Athletics is always done with the fans in mind based at least in some part on demand and by drawing inspiration from initiatives taken by collegiate and professional sports organizations.”
Those interested in taking advantage of the new opportunity can do so Saturday, Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. in the Ronald B. Stafford Ice Arena in the Field House as the Plattsburgh’s men’s hockey team takes on Williams College for the Hockey Fights Cancer Weekend.
According to an email from Stafford Ice Arena Box Office manager, Kelci Henn, to season ticket holders Friday, alcoholic beverage sales will be limited to one hour before the opening face-off and end at the start of the third period.
“This pilot, if successful, will continue at select games or, if not successful, will be discontinued,” Henn wrote.
“A number of college’s have started offering alcohol sales at events and we hope that this program will enhance the game-day atmosphere and enhance the experience for our fans.”
Because it’s a pilot program, alcoholic beverages will be sold only at select hockey games moving forward. Beverages will include hard seltzers and beer and will be sold for $6.50 to $8 a can at the concession stand in the rink next to Section P.
Asked if University Police had any concerns about the program, Haskins said, “University Police was instrumental in putting the parameters around this pilot event including limitations of time for sales and amount of consumption as well as guest behavior.”
In addition to the UP’s requested limitations, as expected, all patrons will be asked to show identification regardless of age. A wristband will be provided.
Purchases of alcoholic beverages by fans will also be limited to two per day. Anyone receiving an alcoholic beverage must be present at the point of sale. Beverages will only be sold from the concession area inside the Stafford Ice Arena.
Patrons may be refused purchase at the discretion of the Chartwells/arena staff and fans will not be permitted to bring alcohol into the Stafford Ice Arena.
Henn outlined what protocols on patron behavior will be in place as well, including:
— Guests will not be allowed entry to the arena if they appear intoxicated.
— Underage drinking is prohibited and may result in ejection from the Stafford Arena without refund and possibly loss of attendance privileges.
— Drunk and/or disorderly behavior and violations of any alcohol policy will result in ejection from the Stafford Arena without refund and could result in losing attendance privileges.
— Guests appearing to be under 21 and in possession of alcohol must show ID upon request from college officials. Alcohol must remain inside the Stafford Arena; possession of alcoholic beverages will not be permitted outside the confines of the rink.
—No refunds will be provided for confiscated beverages.
Haskins said prior initiatives to implement alcohol at college events have been successful and all parties involved in the discussions agreed it would be a good idea for hockey games.
“Alcoholic beverages have been available for special events on campus over the years and were made available this fall at a Cardinal soccer game during homecoming/family weekend,” she said.
“All of these events were successful and conversations from various offices across campus continued throughout the fall to put this pilot concept in place.”