As many Sacramento State football fans watched Saturday night’s win from the stands, some watched from Hornet stadium’s new beer garden.

Sac State President Robert Nelsen said on Sept. 7 that Hornet Stadium will allow the sale of beer for the 2017 football season beginning Sept. 9 following an announcement in June that the California State University Chancellor’s Office eliminated the ban against alcohol sales at intercollegiate sporting events.

Brian Berger, assistant athletics and media relations director, said that the last time beer was sold at Hornet Stadium was in 2004.  

For students like Aaron Belman and Joseph Gonzalez, the sale of beer will make the idea of going to football games more attractive.

“I think for sure it’s going to attract more people,” Belman said. “Ambiance in the stadium is going to be so much better.”

Gonzalez also said that combining football and beer “go hand in hand.”

At the beer garden, domestic suds, such as Coors, Coors Light, Heineken and Blue Moon, will be sold for $7. The stadium is also bringing in three craft draft beers for $8, including Track 7, Device Brewing Company and 10 Barrel.

Sales revenue will go toward providing more security for games. Part of the proceeds may also be used to support alcohol and sexual assault education programs through the campus’s Student Affairs Office, according to a press release made by Nelsen.

“Once the decision was passed to sell beer by the Chancellor’s office, and passed through multiple committees on campus, it was mutually agreed upon as a way to give back,” Berger said on why the administration chose to give proceeds to alcohol and sexual assault education programs on campus.  

Nelsen also said in the email that the university is committed to creating a “safe and healthy environment” during home games.

“We will be working closely with our game security and the Sacramento State Police Department to ensure a positive experience for all who attend our Hornet Athletics events,” Nelsen said.

Angela Rader of University Enterprises, Inc. said that in the two home games thus far, a total of 230 servings of beer have been sold.

“In terms of generating a surplus right now, we are not yet there, but we expect to with higher attendance at future games,” Rader said.

For students like Charlie Reynolds, the decision to sell beer is just the first step in creating a better experience for students.

“I think if they had a full on bar that would really reel in people,” Reynolds said. “The beer definitely is going to get attention but if you’re going to have that, might as well go all the way.”

Although most fans were excited about the new space, some were skeptical about how far it is from Sac State’s home bleachers.

“I really like (the beer garden), but I kind of wish it was closer to the stands or easier to get to,” student Tony Amaro said.

Beer sales begin when the stadium opens, and they close after halftime. All fans must have a valid ID and will be limited to two beverages per order. Fans must also remain in the designated beer garden while drinking.