USM to become first Mississippi university to sell alcohol at football games

The University of Southern Mississippi will become the first state school to sell alcohol at its home football games this year.

Monday, Aug. 19, the Southern Miss Department of Athletics, in partnership with concessions partner Aramark, announced a list of enhancements to its offerings at the M.M. Roberts Stadium this fall.

Beginning with the Sept. 28 home contest against UTEP, the second home game of the season, fans 21 and older, with a valid government-issued ID, will be able to purchase beer and light wine at eight different locations within the stadium. Sales of beer and light wine will be available until the end of the third quarter of each home game beginning with the C-USA opener.

“These new initiatives allow us a great opportunity to continue to improve our game day environment and provide a positive fan-friendly experience,” said Southern Miss Director of Athletics Jeremy McClain in a statement. “We are thankful for our partners across the University and in the community,  who helped make these amenities a reality.”

Concession workers and USM personnel will use the next month to ensure the proper training and infrastructure is in place to support a continued safe and enjoyable environment for fans. That training will ensure that personnel are trained in checking for valid IDs, preventing minors from purchasing alcohol and recognizing signs of intoxication.

In addition, alcohol sales will necessitate moving to a no re-entry policy for the M.M. Roberts Stadium.

USM joins approximately 60 universities nationwide in selling beer and light wine at games. Many universities that have previously implemented sales report decreases in alcohol-related incidents during games, including binge drinking and possession of alcohol by minors, the statement claims. Additional measures such as limits on the number of purchases per transaction will also be in place.

The university is also considering selling beer and light wine other athletic venues. The process at the stadium will be monitored closely this fall, and a decision and communication on future sales will happen at the appropriate time.

Additional enhancements to the home-game experience will include mobile food ordering, new fan-friendly concession pricing and new concession offerings.