By John Paynter, Staff Writer

Many people have argued over whether alcoholic drinks should be sold at college games. The issue has been around for years and there have been many disagreements on the subject. Those who argue against it say that more drunk driving fatalities would occur. They also argue that more underage consumption would occur due to people openly being able to buy it at arenas if you are 21 years old.

“It provides direct access for people to get alcohol for minors at a basketball or football game,” civics teacher Joshua Campbell said. “I would definitely say that alcohol should not be sold at college sport games.”

While the debate goes back and forth for many, some feel strongly on the subject.

“Alcohol is a key factor in having fun for people who are of age,” sophomore Ben Seibert said. “It would also greatly benefit the school with lots of money going towards the school and arena.”

 While there is no definite decision yet, there has been a few states to lift the ban on alcohol at arenas. Selling beer and wine will likely be the only option for purchase.

Southern Methodist University was the first to test the effects of selling beer at one of their basketball games, and as a result, the attendance was the best they have had in years. It also brought in a lot of money that the school can use.

“It would improve the money intake for the school, from an economic standpoint, but the risks are too great for me to agree with alcohol at college games,” Campbell said. “It just doesn’t seem worth it”

The University of North Texas has also started selling beer to the general public despite most schools banning alcohol across the United States. The results were very similar with attendance almost through the roof and profit. While many think that it would skyrocket the number of game ejections and arrests near the stadium, The university cited no significant increase in ejections or arrests.

There are now 23 schools that sell beer at their home football and basketball games, however none of them in North Carolina.

As the debate continues, a solution for a country-wide decision doesn’t seem to be in sight, but more and more colleges are starting to give it a try.

Pre-game parties that serve alcohol have recently become a growing trend among game attendees, but with more and more colleges serving alcohol, this tradition may become extinct.

“A lot of people want to get drunk at sports games and that’s a fact,” Seibert said “If there aren’t any drunk drivers, then what’s the problem?”

Lots of colleges will make a decision within the next year, but until then, alcohol is banned at most college games.

Photo from South Bend Tribune