Joshua Clayton
Ole Miss has approved alcohol sales at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium for the 2019 season.
Beer and spiked seltzers will be available in general area seating for the last three home games of the season, starting with the Texas A&M game on October 19.
The approval includes all sporting events on campus, meaning fans should expect alcohol sales at the Pavilion and Swayze Field next season.
Ole Miss is the seventh SEC school to approve alcohol sales since the conference lifted its ban earlier this summer
“The university has been deliberate in our approach to making this change,” said Ole Miss Interim Chancellor Larry Sparks said in a statement. “We have assessed the relevant issues and focused on an implementation timetable that works best for our university. Maintaining the safety of our patrons and participants and maintaining an atmosphere suitable for families is of utmost importance. We appreciate the support and patience of our fans as we implement this change.”
Fans will also be able to purchase beer before the game in the Coca-Cola Rebel Fan Fest on the plaza outside the stadium. Dedicated kiosks inside the stadium will begin selling alcohol as soon as the gates open two hours before kickoff. Those kiosks will close with three minutes remaining in the third quarter.
Purchases are limited to two beers at a time and there will be no alcohol sold in the three concession stands under the student section.
“This is another opportunity to enhance what is already one of the premier gamedays in college football,” said interim athletics director Keith Carter. “I want to thank Chancellor Sparks and the rest of our university administration for their leadership and support during this process. We expect this decision to help reduce incidents associated with overconsumption on gamedays. The athletics department will work hand-in-hand with other campus officials and within the guidelines of the SEC to ensure a safe and responsible environment for all fans.”
Ole Miss also announced a modification to the student party section that was revealed earlier this month. Capacity for the section has jumped from 800 students to 2,450 and will be entirely general admission. The original plans for the section were changed due to safety concerns during construction.
