Why is the issue of alcohol sales at TCF so difficult to figure out?

[norman dale]

Nick Coleman's takes the side of the a scorned season ticket holder and accuses the U of pandering to the elite of alcohol sales are not sold equally to everyone.

http://www.startribune.com/local/35638639.html?elr=KArks:DCiU1PciUoaEYY_4PcUU

Now a physician's group want to further study of the issue of alcohol sales at the stadium on the basis it is huge public health issue.

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/35866684.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD 3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUX

WTF is wrong people !!!!!!!!!

Yes, alcohol use may be a public health issue, especially on college campuses, but this is taking itself way too far IMHO. This is not the forum with which to solve this issue.

If you pay the big donation money or are the benefactor of a corporation's hospitality you should be allowed the perk of having alcohol available. This is typically how is it done at other Division I football stadiums that have suites.

There wasn't this outcry when the Barn lofts were introduced and alcohol was allowed, was there?

Jeez, it's not like people are gonna drink so much that there will be orgies in the bathrooms!

[grunkiejr]

NM

[GopherLady]

Why is this such a shock to people? Would I like to be able to drink in the new stadium? Yes. Did I ever think that was an option in the new stadium (without forking over the big bucks? No.


For 55 years, Don Sonsalla and his wife, Verna, have watched hundreds of Minnesota Gophers football games, cheering for old Ski U Mah in the wind and rain and snow at Memorial Stadium during the glory days and -- after the Gophers abandoned the brickyard for the Metrodome -- enduring 25 years of endless mediocrity....So "Doctor Don," who is 77 and lives in White Bear Lake, recently sent an e-mail to Bob Bruininks, the president of the university, and told him it's over. The Sonsallas will not be renewing their season tickets.

After 25 years of having season tickets, you are going to not renew them because you can't have a beer in the new stadium? I don't want to pull the - "what kind of fan are you card?", but seriously? We finally get this beautiful, on-campus stadium, and you'd rather be drinking a $7 beer in the Dome? Guess what? Life isn't fair. Rich people get more advantages and special treatment. As much as I would love, in an ideal world, for people who have season tickets for 25 years to get MORE privileges than people that give hundreds of thousands of dollars...it doesn't work that way. The big donors and people that are buying the expensive seats, are the ones paying for stadium. You don't have to like it, but you have to accept it. Trust me, I'm not happy about tailgating spots being $2500, but let's face it - there's nothing any of us can do about it. The only thing we can do is continue supporting the team we love, regardless of choices that have been made (and there are a lot of them I haven't approved of). As of now, I can't think of anything that the U could do to make me not get season tickets.

[Son of a Badger]

They make flasks for a reason ;)

In all seriousness, if the reason people aren't going to go to the game is alcohol sales, good. That makes your ticket available to me.

[UpnorthGo4]

I am not on the "public health issue" band wagon regarding alcohol at the new Gopher Statium. However, I agree totally with Nick Coleman. Either they sell beer to everybody, or nobody. I could not care less what other college stadiums do. I didn't know that is what they do at the Barn, and I don't like it one bit. Selling beer only to Gopher fans and supporters who can afford the private suites is incredibly elitist and patently unfair. It may not make other Gopher fans feel like a second class citizen, but I sure feel that way. The U of M and Gopher Stadium are public institutions - not a private county club. It is the principle that is important here.

[norman dale]

At how many, Division 1, on-campus football stadia is beer / wine / liquor available in their general concession areas?

[TruthTeller]

All or none.

Is that so hard to understand?

Does not matter what Miami or MI Ohion does. We are in MN.

Elitist is on target.

[McGopherFan]

Goes unassailed. And as usual the assault come based on a lack of knowledge and halve truths.

The solution to be able to provide alcohol in the new stadium is just that a compromise. It is not based on class but on division of where alchohol can be served and controlled. The U as we all know has two choices: Serve no alcohol to no one anywhere; or fine a way to control the sales of alcohol in a well defined and confined area.

In coming up with what seems to have been a well thought out compromise, the U set it self up to be assailed by anyone with an agenda. In this case that person is Nick Coleman - he'd do anything to cast the stadium in a bad light.

The principal in this may think he was being principled in having his case spelled out in the press, but unfortunately he has been made to look foolish. To suggest a solution that all should be allowed to drink beer, when it is widely known that the NCAA does not provide that as an option is farsical. This man may be wise and respected in other matters, but in this one Coleman played him like a pawn.

[UpnorthGo4]

Normandale, as I stated above, it doesn't matter to me what they do in other college football statiums. Unless the NCAA governs this issue it only should matter what we do in Minnesota. I say again, either everyone of legal drinking age should be allowed the privilege of buying a beer, or nobody should. Reasonable people can disagree on this issue. I come down on the side of equality, fairness, and my desire to have a beer at Gopher football games just like I have ever since they moved to the Dome.

[sonnygarcia]

Nick Coleman is gayer than the volleyball scene from Top Gun, and this state would be better off not having to read his garbage, nor should we have look at the picture of him in that turtle neck his boyfriend bought him for xmas when we decide to read the Strib once a month.

[McGopherFan]

To go out and earn whatever living they desire to achieve access to whatever comforts they desire. There is no protected group of individuals being harmed by this policy. It is a good and fair policy that is accessible to anyone with the FINANCIAL means to get there. There is no discrimination that violates a law or really any sense of fairness. You wanta beer go get the means to get the greens to get that tasty beverage.

Normandale's point is that in order to get any alcohol service at a stadium, the NCAA has very specific requirements. The answer to his question is none offer beer, wine or liquor sales in general consessions area.

The NCAA DOES GOVERN this issue; The University of Minnesota is attempting to offer a compromise based on the rules set forth by the NCAA. The choice here has never been all or nothing. Alcohol service to all was never part of the equation. Nothing is always an option, and the only other choice is limited service in areas that have restricted physical access.



Normandale, as I stated above, it doesn't matter to me what they do in other college football statiums. Unless the NCAA governs this issue it only should matter what we do in Minnesota. I say again, either everyone of legal drinking age should be allowed the privilege of buying a beer, or nobody should. Reasonable people can disagree on this issue. I come down on the side of equality, fairness, and my desire to have a beer at Gopher football games just like I have ever since they moved to the Dome.

[denguegopher]

I am not on the "public health issue" band wagon regarding alcohol at the new Gopher Statium. However, I agree totally with Nick Coleman. Either they sell beer to everybody, or nobody. I could not care less what other college stadiums do. I didn't know that is what they do at the Barn, and I don't like it one bit. Selling beer only to Gopher fans and supporters who can afford the private suites is incredibly elitist and patently unfair. It may not make other Gopher fans feel like a second class citizen, but I sure feel that way. The U of M and Gopher Stadium are public institutions - not a private county club. It is the principle that is important here.

It looks like there are public and private/business aspects to this desision. If the U is not a private country club why would they built private boxes at their new stadium? Perhaps because people have paid for that privacy and privilege?? Should fans feel like secondhand citizens (the huddled masses) and think that its unfair looking up at those in the private suites sitting in spacious seats. I once heard, in response to a classmate's comment that, "that's not fair to the poor!" an economics professor say, "nothing is fair to the poor(er)." Thats life, its not just and its not fair, but it can still be a lot of fun.

[sonnygarcia]

But McGopherFan, are you saying that by being born in this country I am not entitled to the same benefits as everyone else??? Man, that is unfair!!! I mean, if I didn't want to put forth the time and effort to be more successful than the average person, I should still get rewarded as if I did!!!! Life is so unfair!! Hopefully the government will step in here and provide free liquor for everyone.

A good test for someone in deciding in how to manage their thoughts would be to read whatever Nick Coleman writes, and just think the opposite, before you start believing anything he writes and turning our great country into some extension of Europe.

[gopherjay]

I want to sit on the fifty and I want...... Nicky is a communist.

[Jike Spingleton]

There is no protected group of individuals being harmed by this policy. It is a good and fair policy that is accessible to anyone with the FINANCIAL means to get there.


Agreed. Nobody is being discriminated against. The NCAA recommends "to prohibit the sale of alcoholic beverages during all preseason, regular season, conference and postseason intercollegiate athletic events. Alcoholic beverages should not be sold or otherwise made available for public consumption in the athletics facility during intercollegiate athletics events." The compromise is making it available in a not-so-public location, i.e. private seating.

If people want to complain and not renew their tickets, fine. I'll laugh and move my way up the priority list.

[grunkiejr]

Normandale, as I stated above, it doesn't matter to me what they do in other college football statiums. Unless the NCAA governs this issue it only should matter what we do in Minnesota. I say again, either everyone of legal drinking age should be allowed the privilege of buying a beer, or nobody should. Reasonable people can disagree on this issue. I come down on the side of equality, fairness, and my desire to have a beer at Gopher football games just like I have ever since they moved to the Dome.

The U of M had to go to the state legislature to get special permission to serve alcohol in the suites at Williams Arena, Mariucci Arena, Northrup Auditorium and The Campus Club in Coffman Memorial Union. It is otherwise not permitted to sell alcohol on campus. The Metrodome being off campus was not subject to this rule. However, being back on campus the new stadium is subject to this rule.

The U of M campaigned for allowing it on these sites because they had to compete with other stadiums and arena's in the twin cities for events and for suite sales. Not having beer and wine put them at a disadvantage against for competing for corporate dollars where certainly in my industry (Investment Banking) it is the norm to have alcoholic beverages at client entertainment. The legislature allowed it because the University of Minnesota could keep it constrained.

[McGopherFan]

But, no life is actually a lot more fair than people think. Work hard = get the benies. Take the common path = pick from what everybody who does that gets to pick from. Do nothing = get what others are generous enough to give. Have tough time - get help, better yourself and pick again which result you want - benies, a common life, or leftovers.

In other words by being born in this country you are entitled to a right to choose which path you take. That is guaranteed. That is fair. The results of those choices are not guaranteed. The results are what they are fair or unfair. If you are doing something you love, that is your benefit. Not everybody loves what they do. There is no guarantee that what you love will get you to the stadium suite.

I love what I do. It gets me $275 tickets, and that is all I need. Sometimes I get to have popcorn and sometimes I have to split a coke at the game. Fair enough.


But McGopherFan, are you saying that by being born in this country I am not entitled to the same benefits as everyone else??? Man, that is unfair!!! I mean, if I didn't want to put forth the time and effort to be more successful than the average person, I should still get rewarded as if I did!!!! Life is so unfair!! Hopefully the government will step in here and provide free liquor for everyone.

A good test for someone in deciding in how to manage their thoughts would be to read whatever Nick Coleman writes, and just think the opposite, before you start believing anything he writes and turning our great country into some extension of Europe.

[gopher7]

The answer to "why" here is simple, it's to keep more demand for the premium seating. These seats are going to be a huge part of the U's financial gain by moving into the new stadium, so by allowing alcohol in these sections they're keeping the demand higher and ensuring financial security. For those who feel this is unfair, are you also upset that you won't have a heater blowing warm air on to your feet, and a TV built into the seat in front of you? Because the rich people in the suites will get climate control and TV's too. Where is the outrage there?

[Maverick]

"The Sonsallas will not be renewing their season tickets."

Great! Maybe I'll get their seats!!!!!!

[McGopherFan]

From a chair with a back to rest against. Is there anything wrong with that?


The answer to "why" here is simple, it's to keep more demand for the premium seating. These seats are going to be a huge part of the U's financial gain by moving into the new stadium, so by allowing alcohol in these sections they're keeping the demand higher and ensuring financial security. For those who feel this is unfair, are you also upset that you won't have a heater blowing warm air on to your feet, and a TV built into the seat in front of you? Because the rich people in the suites will get climate control and TV's too. Where is the outrage there?

[GophersInIowa]

Shouldn't someone who spends $500 for a ticket have advantages over someone who spends $50? I don't get what the complaint is.

[holereader]

it has been like this at Williams and at Marriucci for years - Nick wants to pontificate on this now? why? just to raise a ruckus? what an A hole - sorry but this is just not an issue - the folks who dropped thieir tix over this seem to me to be looking for an excuse as to why they did not renew and wanted to blame someone - good riddance - we all just moved up two spots on the season ticket ranking - as a matter of fact I'm headed to web site right now to confirm I moved up and to see if my projected seats changed! - Oh and for you Nick - stay over in St. Paul where you belong! We don't seem to have any of these issues coming from the Pioneer Press

[at the bar]

The NCAA only "recommends" no beer sales but they don't require it. Syracuse sells beer in an on-campus area to all fans for football and basketball so don't say it is an NCAA "rule" or limited to "private seating".

If the U doesn't want to make six figures selling beer each year, fine. Just don't come to me for extra donations if short on money. I'll just bring in a flask and be happy to be outside watching Gopher football with a buzz.

[LC19]

I am so sick of people thinking they are always treated unfairly. I would expect those premium seats to get things that I will not paying $275 per seat. I won't get access to the DQ Club room, should I complain saying it's unfair to poor little me?? :rolleyes: What about the bench seats I might get vs the seatback chairs? How unfair that I pay the same, but have no backs on my seats?? :rolleyes:

I'm so sick of people thinking they are "entitled" to get everything for nothing. Move to Europe if you like that!

I've never thought is was a big deal that beer was sold in Mariucci in the club level when I am sitting in section 17. I'm too busy watching the game and had enough beer already at Sallys.

[LesBolstad]

How far along is Nick in the sex change process, anyway?

[Ski U Mah Gopher]

We would sneak our alcohol in via a wineskin.

Look, if you want alcohol, there are ways to get it into the stadium.

[strokemonster]

Being lectured to by a half-wit like Nick Coleman is laughable. The dweeb is so far out of touch
with reality his only chance at holding a job would be at the Strib. They're about right for each
other. The U needs to make money and liquor sales to those willing to pay the big bucks is part
of the big picture. He didn't say anything about our 30 years in the Dump where we were raped
by the Stadium Commission, the queen and the Twins. We are playing catch up.

[Bronko Nagurski Gopher]

Nick Coleman's takes the side of the a scorned season ticket holder and accuses the U of pandering to the elite of alcohol sales are not sold equally to everyone.

http://www.startribune.com/local/35638639.html?elr=KArks:DCiU1PciUoaEYY_4PcUU

Now a physician's group want to further study of the issue of alcohol sales at the stadium on the basis it is huge public health issue.

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/35866684.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD 3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUX

WTF is wrong people !!!!!!!!!

Yes, alcohol use may be a public health issue, especially on college campuses, but this is taking itself way too far IMHO. This is not the forum with which to solve this issue.

If you pay the big donation money or are the benefactor of a corporation's hospitality you should be allowed the perk of having alcohol available. This is typically how is it done at other Division I football stadiums that have suites.

There wasn't this outcry when the Barn lofts were introduced and alcohol was allowed, was there?

Jeez, it's not like people are gonna drink so much that there will be orgies in the bathrooms!

word on the street is this physician's group who is complaining about alcohol sales are a bunch of becky grads! :rolleyes:

[walter]

Make everyone who wants to enter the stadium bong 3-free-beers. You can buy your way out for $1,000 per beer.


Just an idea

[UpnorthGo4]

Question: "Shouldn't someone who spends $500 for a ticket have advantages over someone who spends $50? I don't get what the complaint is."

The answer is NO. My tax dollars, tuition dollars, and season tickets go to support the U of M and their athletic facilities. I want to be treated like everyone else that uses those facilities. There absolutely should be no class system or caste system at The Brick based on ticket prices or anything else. This is the Unitied States of America. There should be equal access to public faciities. They only do it because people let them get away with it. If Harvey McKay can have a f*cking beer at Gopher football games, I want one too. If they are not going to let me have one, then screw everyone in the private suites! This is a pile of B.S. and I will never agree that it is the right thing to do.

[oak_street1981]

ation camps did you spend? You and Rupert really need to get out more and join the real world.

You both have an excellent grasp on delusional marxist thinking.

Again, Coleman has raised a completely absurd issue.

Coleman should be a less cranky guy, considering he is almost 60 and he traded in his older wife for a new, sleek model a few years ago. Real class!

I bet that old geezer quoted in the article doesn't even have one beer at a games.

He is about as legitimate as the so called mortgage housing victims cited in the red star boo hoo for the victims articles. Lets see, I'll max out my equity, sign up for a ARM, then whine when the rates go up?????

[Bronko Nagurski Gopher]

Question: "Shouldn't someone who spends $500 for a ticket have advantages over someone who spends $50? I don't get what the complaint is."

The answer is NO. My tax dollars, tuition dollars, and season tickets go to support the U of M and their athletic facilities. I want to be treated like everyone else that uses those facilities. There absolutely should be no class system or caste system at The Brick based on ticket prices or anything else. This is the Unitied States of America. There should be equal access to public faciities. They only do it because people let them get away with it. If Harvey McKay can have a f*cking beer at Gopher football games, I want one too. If they are not going to let me have one, then screw everyone in the private suites! This is a pile of B.S. and I will never agree that it is the right thing to do.

i think you are probably in the minority on this one. that is all......

[sonnygarcia]

UpnorthGo4, did you ever get prosecuted for ruining downtown St Paul with the other anarcists?? You F'ing Loon, take a look in the mirror and say to yourself "I am what is wrong with society". You poor soul who can't do better for himself and takes it out on others. At the moment, I cannot even afford season tickets, but some day, if I work hard, I will buy them, heck I may even get the suit tiks if I want to work that hard, but in the end its up to me.

I'm guessing theres a good chance your union if you are from the North............ Socialist

[16FeetUnder]

Question: There absolutely should be no class system or caste system at The Brick based on ticket prices or anything else. This is the Unitied States of America.

So should all tickets be the same price? Or maybe we should go back to the drawing board and redesign the stadium so the field rotates during the whole game, that way everyone gets a 50 yard line seat for the same amount of time each game.

This is the way college football is. You (we) have been spoiled in terms of alcoholic consumption in the metrodome. If this is the sacrifice we need to make to have on campus football, then by all means, go ahead.

[DarrenTheGreek]

I can't add much to this discussion that hasn't already been said except...

1) All seats are not equal...some have chair backs, some benches. Some have a view of the 50, some the 20, others the endzone.
2) This shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. It's like this in 90% of the other NCAA stadiums and also like this at other University venues.
3) I'm glad I just moved up 2 spots in the selection process.

[maroonfive]

in the premium seats. I have season tickets and I never drank at the dome. I don't care who drinks just don't bother me.
I also don't have a problem calling myself an elitist. Everyday when I leave the house and I see what is walking around in the general population I do think that I am better than most of these people.
I am also sure that the people that really stick out are from Wisconsin.

Go Gophers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[GopherVotary]

There's no reason to extend Prohibition to the premium seats. I've enjoyed many an overpriced beer during Gopher games at the dome, but I can certainly live without it (especially considering that No alcohol at TCF = No chance the Vikings will ever play there). But the big tickets deserve the opportunity to drink.

[tjgopher]

Minnesotans never cease to amaze me. Alcohol sales in club rooms/suites has been going on in Williams and Mariucci, not to mention Camp Randall, Kinnick Stadium, Ross-Ade Stadium, Ohio Stadium, etc. This is nothing new. This was always the plan. Why the fuss now? This model is used at schools almost everywhere.

The reason they can do it in club rooms is that they are "premium" seats. You pay a "premium" for them, the school gets more money, and therefore you get "premium" benefits. A suite costs $45,000 per season. You seriously don't think that's different that your $250 seat? Seriously? The fact is, the University can monitor and control alcohol consumption in that limited environment and reap the benefits of premium revenue (which they absolutely need).

They cannot effectively monitor alcohol consumption in the general masses. That's why it won't be allowed. The last thing they need is for some student to be found passed out or dead in the end zone bathroom because he was drinking beer that the university sold to him at the stadium.

[#93fanclub]

That alcohol abuse is a public health issue and, I believe, one that this country is not prepared to take the "First Step" on. However, in my opinion, it is worth discussing. The amount of money this country spends on the "War on Drugs" is ridiculous when you consider the number of lives that are taken and/or wasted by alcohol. I know that this is not Madison or Iowa City when it comes to alcohol consumption on game day - and I thank God for that. Just look at what a ridiculous mess the Hawkeye fans were at their last game at the dome. They knew it was their "last call for alcohol" at a Gopher game and they couldn't handle it. I think that we can enjoy the Gophers games without any alcohol - that's the way I do it. Am I going to impose that on others? Do what you want - I'll just watch and be thankful its not me and hope nobody gets hurt.

[GophersInIowa]

So should all tickets be the same price? Or maybe we should go back to the drawing board and redesign the stadium so the field rotates during the whole game, that way everyone gets a 50 yard line seat for the same amount of time each game.

This is the way college football is. You (we) have been spoiled in terms of alcoholic consumption in the metrodome. If this is the sacrifice we need to make to have on campus football, then by all means, go ahead.

Haha, I was thinking maybe after every 7 1/2 minutes of playing time, the game will be delayed 10minutes and everyone rotates over 2 sections. This way everyone will be sitting in each part of the stadium for exactly 7 1/2 mintues. But what happens in overtime? Some will be mad because they didn't get to sit at the 50 yard line as long as everyone else. A riot may occur. :D

[husker70]

If you cannot find a way to get a drink into TCF, let me know. I can help you. I don't care where you sit, I have a plan for you. Worried about detection, don't. I have over 25 years experience in secreting alcohol into college games. And if they allow tailgaiting anywhere close to the game, I will provide you with free refills, but you must act now.

[McGopherFan]

Nick could find himself on the staff as representative of the "far right.":rolleyes:



Being lectured to by a half-wit like Nick Coleman is laughable. The dweeb is so far out of touch
with reality his only chance at holding a job would be at the Strib. They're about right for each
other. The U needs to make money and liquor sales to those willing to pay the big bucks is part
of the big picture. He didn't say anything about our 30 years in the Dump where we were raped
by the Stadium Commission, the queen and the Twins. We are playing catch up.

[McGopherFan]

to be treated like everyone else who paid to get into that portion of the stadium that you paid to get into. That is the very best you can hope for.

You want to experience all the things that can be experienced in that facility go on a tour, but don't expect to be able to buy a beer then either.


Question: "Shouldn't someone who spends $500 for a ticket have advantages over someone who spends $50? I don't get what the complaint is."

The answer is NO. My tax dollars, tuition dollars, and season tickets go to support the U of M and their athletic facilities. I want to be treated like everyone else that uses those facilities. There absolutely should be no class system or caste system at The Brick based on ticket prices or anything else. This is the Unitied States of America. There should be equal access to public faciities. They only do it because people let them get away with it. If Harvey McKay can have a f*cking beer at Gopher football games, I want one too. If they are not going to let me have one, then screw everyone in the private suites! This is a pile of B.S. and I will never agree that it is the right thing to do.

[Ski U Mah Gopher]

Th problem is, there has been alcohol at Gopher games since 1984 or 85 (I know at least in 82 & 83 there wasn't beer).

So people have the last 25 years thinking that beer is a right at Gopher games.

[Gut Cassidy]

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