When the Arkansas State University Board of Trustees meets in a conference call this morning, they are expected to consider allowing alcohol sales during certain events. According to an alcohol policy that has been sent to KASU, alcohol would be allowed in specific and limited areas of Centennial Bank Stadium and Tomlinson Stadium, designated concerts or special events at the Convocation Center. Alcohol would not be served at sporting events at the Convo. Alcohol would also be served at special events at the Fowler Center, the Cooper Alumni Center, and the Pavilion. If approved, the proposal would allow the NEA Sports Club to enter into a lease agreement with Arkansas State University that would allow for the dispensing of alcohol in accordance to the agreement.
Here is the complete policy, provided by Jeff Hankins, ASU System Vice President:
Arkansas State University plans to enter into an agreement with a nonprofit organization that will facilitate limited, responsible dispensing of alcoholic beverages in designated areas on campus. The primary objectives are to dispense alcoholic beverages to patrons who have requested the amenity at sports and entertainment venues on campus; to enhance economic development by attracting more tourism-related activity; and to generate a new revenue stream for the Red Wolves Foundation (RWF). Alcohol may be dispensed in specific, limited-access areas of Centennial Bank Stadium and Tomlinson Stadium; designated concerts or special events, excluding athletics events, at the Convocation Center; and special events at the Fowler Center, the Cooper Alumni Center, and the Pavilion. The proposal is consistent with alcohol-related initiatives by other universities in Arkansas and members of the Sun Belt Conference.
Highlights:
■ NEA Sports Club, an Arkansas nonprofit corporation, will enter into a lease agreement with Arkansas State that will allow NEA Sports Club to dispense alcoholic beverages at certain events and at certain locations on the A-State campus. The lease agreement is subject to approval of the ASU Board of Trustees.
■ NEA Sports Club will apply for a large event facility permit through the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. Any associated costs related to the application process will be the responsibility of NEA Sports Club and the RWF and not at the expense of Arkansas State.
■ Patrons of athletics events and concerts have requested the opportunity to be served alcoholic beverages, and the service has become common at sports and concert venues throughout the country.
■ The proposal will allow the Convocation Center to recruit performing artists who require alcohol to be served as an amenity for their fans. A-State expects to increase the number of concerts, resulting in additional rental related revenue for the university and increased tourism-related expenditures in Jonesboro.
■ NEA Sports Club plans to contract with Sodexo, the existing A-State vendor for food and beverage services, to manage all alcohol-related services and assist in enforcement of all permit guidelines required by ABC Board.
■ Net revenue generated by NEA Sports Club from the dispensing of alcohol will be distributed annually to the RWF, and the RWF agrees to assist the A-State Student Government Association in promoting a responsible drinking awareness campaign. No member of the NEA Sports Club board of directors will receive compensation from the nonprofit organization.
■ Alcohol may be served at Centennial Bank Stadium and Tomlinson Stadium in limited, designated club sections and other premium seating areas.
■ Alcohol may be served at the Convocation Center at special events such as concerts and banquets upon mutual agreement with the leasing party.
■ Alcohol may not be dispensed at A-State athletics events in the Convo except in areas with lease-space agreements.
■ Alcohol may be served at the Fowler Center at special events upon mutual agreement with the leasing party.
■ Alcohol is already served in designated areas on campus at certain events in accordance with state law as part of lease space agreements.
■ The alcoholic beverage permit sought will include the right to dispense beer, wine, and liquor.
■ Alcohol will be dispensed in limited areas of the football stadium to enhance the value of the seating options.
■ Additional security will be present where alcohol is served, and all servers and managers will complete appropriate training to comply with ABC regulations and to protect the safety and enjoyment of all patrons.
