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Drinking in The Barn: Minnesota Board of Regents approve alcohol sales at Williams Arena
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Thanks to a unanimous vote from the University of Minnesota Board of Regents on Friday, fans attending sporting events at Williams Arena will be able to purchase beer and wine.
On Friday, the Board of Regents approved of the sale of beer and wine sales at Williams Arena — affectionately known as “The Barn” — and 3M Arena at Mariucci. The alcohol sales will be for hockey games (Mariucci) and basketball games (Williams).
“We are appreciative of the Board in approving this measure,” said Athletics Director Mark Coyle, according to the Star Tribune. “Our No. 1 goal will always remain to provide a safe and fan-friendly environment, but we also need to continue to be competitive in the amenities we offer our fans.”
The recommendation of alcohol sales in the two venues was made by University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler. The idea is that the availability at beer and wine at hockey and basketball games will boost attendance for the Golden Gophers.
Minnesota is one of several B1G schools that already sells beer and wine to general public seating at football games (TCF Bank Stadium).
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB