Fans debate alcohol ban

By Shannon Milliken

The Collegian

Fresno State’s new policy ban on the sale of alcohol inside Bulldog Stadium went into effect at the first game of the season last Friday. The policy, which also regulates where and when alcohol can be sold in the area surrounding the stadium during tailgating time, prompted reaction from Fresno State students.

“There was definitely a lot of animosity in the student section, including chants of ‘we want beer,’” Fresno State senior Riley Young said. However, student chants won’t be able to bring beer back to the games anytime soon. According to the recent CSU policy, the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited at any collegiate athletic events held at University-owned or–operated facilities. So, for at least the Bulldogs’ six home games this season, the stadium will be alcohol-free. Fresno State sophomore Jordana Siebert said she prefers it this way.

“It was a more friendly, family oriented atmosphere,” she said. “Not as rambunctious.” But not everyone felt that way. Ariana Martinez, another Fresno State student, said she heard a lot of people saying it really took away from the experience. Martinez did enjoy the fact that no one spilled beer on her last Friday though, since she said it happened a lot last year.

Senior Elisa Valenzuela also noticed several people discussing how upset they were about no alcohol being available. Yet Valenzuela’s friend, Veronica Santa Cruz, said she didn’t notice a difference in last Saturday’s game from past games.

“There were still a lot of drunk people from tailgates,” she said. It is possible some of those under the influence snuck in alcohol as well. However, the new policy states that anyone found with alcohol will be escorted from the stadium.

As far as tailgating, alcohol can be bought at the Red Lot, but must remain in that area. Alcoholic beverages are not sold on Bulldog Boulevard and tailgating may only occur for three hours before and two hours after each football game. People can bring their own alcohol to certain areas outside the stadium, but there are no kegs, drinking games or alcohol sales allowed. No one is allowed to be tailgating during the games. Fresno State sophomore Miles Holm was concerned about how these restrictions will affect the University and its finances. “They’re losing a lot of money,” Holm said.

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