SDSU one step closer to alcohol sales at games

SDSU+students+cheering+on+the+Jackrabbits+at+the+2021+Hobo+Day+game

Zoey Schentzel

SDSU students cheering on the Jackrabbits at the 2021 Hobo Day game

Mara Wheaton and Brina Sturm

South Dakota State University could be seeing alcohol sales at games as soon as this coming fall thanks to the South Dakota Board of Regents.

At today’s Board of Regents meeting in Vermillion, a policy allowing expanded alcohol sales for South Dakota public universities was unanimously approved.

The policy allows for the six individual universities governed by the Board of Regents (SDSU, University of South Dakota, Black Hills State, Dakota State,  Northern State and the South Dakota School of Mines) to extend the sale of alcoholic beverages into general admission areas of performing arts and athletic events.

“We’re seeing a move towards general admission alcohol sales at collegiate events across the country; it seemed like a good time to revisit South Dakota’s policy as well,” Executive Director Brian Maher said.

While the policy allows for the sale of alcohol at the six universities, it is up to SDSU officials to decide whether or not the university will move forward with the policy.

As far as SDSU’s individual discretion goes, Director of University Marketing and Communications Mike Lockrem “South Dakota State University is committed to moving forward under the policy manual and looking at providing alcohol sales this fall at our events.”

The seven-month-long effort driven by students is still in the process of being approved by SDSU officials.

“​​There’s gonna be a lot more information that will be shared in the coming weeks,” Lockrem said.

To stay in-the-know, check back at sdsucollegian.com within the coming weeks. To view the full policy guidelines, visit sdbor.edu.