Beginning with the 2018-19 season, Amsoil Arena will offer expanded beer and wine sales for University of Minnesota Duluth men’s and women’s hockey games.
As announced on Thursday, the upcoming season will see a major change in alcohol sales policy for UMD hockey games at Amsoil Arena. The serving of beer and wine has been limited in the past to suites and the Champions Lodge, but that restriction is being removed in order to allow for more sales throughout the arena.
The change was prompted by fan feedback in favor of expanded beer and wine sales, according to UMD athletic director Josh Berlo. The new policy also comes at a point where expanded alcohol sales are becoming more common throughout college sports, including hockey, as many of UMD’s competitors have already instituted similar policies. More from the Duluth News Tribune:
Growing feedback and requests from hockey fans over the past few years was the driving force behind the change, Berlo said.
“We’ve been hearing from our fans the last couple years that they have the desire to have access to beer and wine during games,” Berlo said. “We’ve heard that through our annual fan survey and fan advisory board and in conversations with season ticket holders.
The move puts UMD in line with most of its National Collegiate Hockey Conference rivals. St. Cloud State, North Dakota, Nebraska-Omaha, Denver and Colorado College already serve alcohol at games, while Miami and Western Michigan do not. Western Collegiate Hockey Association rivals Minnesota State-Mankato and Bemidji State serve alcohol at their arenas during games as well.
While this announcement signals the increasing availability of alcohol at Amsoil Arena during UMD hockey games, there will be restrictions on the student section. Additionally, the arena will offer an alcohol-free family section.
