The thought of football games without alcohol will become a reality at Sacramento State starting next season as a result of a new policy instituted by the California State University system.

The new policy went into effect Dec. 23, 2005, and prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages at college sporting events.

“The CSU system believes that service of alcoholic beverages at intercollegiate athletic events in university owned or operated facilities is contrary to its system wide alcohol policy and to its purpose of promoting a safe and healthy learning environment for all members of the university community,” CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed said in a Jan. 12 press release.

Several of the 23 CSU campuses have contracts for the sale of alcohol and will be able to fulfill those contracts, with some restrictions. According to the press release, new guidelines for alcohol sales will require schools to comply with state laws. All campuses are required to provide adequate training for alcohol servers, limit the number of alcohol beverages per purchase, and institute a stop time for sales. In addition, schools cannot market alcohol in manners that indicate abuse.

Sac State athletic director Terry Wanless said that the new policy will only affect football events on campus. “Alcohol will no longer be sold at home football games,” he said.

Alexis Carmal, a junior communications major, said that the banning of alcohol at sporting events will be both good and bad. “I think it is good to help spread alcohol awareness, but it will cost the schools in revenue,” she said.

Carmal attended three football games at Sac State and thinks the new policy will have little if any effect on attendance. “The games are about school spirit and cheering on your team, not getting drunk,” she added.

Wanless said that alcohol was only allowed on the south end of the stadium, which made it hard to watch the game. He said the impact will not be large because students come to the game for football, not for alcohol.

“The new policy should not change the schools relationship with current vendors, Budweiser and Miller,” Wanless said. He said that the school doesn’t have a distribution contract with the vendors, but does have an advertising agreement. That agreement shouldn’t change, Wanless said. “Our advertising is done mindful and we didn’t violate any of the new rules even before they were instituted,” he said.

Wanless said that the new policy is part of a national trend that the NCAA strongly supports. “The CSU system adopting this policy speaks strongly about the support for proper alcohol use,” Wanless said.

Vincent Gesuele can be reached at [email protected]