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UA to postpone the sale of alcohol at on-campus sporting events. (Photo by Jesse K. Kelley)

By Jesse K. Kelley

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.- In a statement released by UA Director of Athletics Greg Byrne via twitter on Feb. 14, Alabama athletics will not continue the pursue to sell alcohol at on-campus sporting events due to the sales tax implemented by the City of Tuscaloosa.

            City Councilor Kip Tyner had this to say about the city implementing a sales tax on game tickets that would have alcohol present at, “we would have implemented what we call a ticket tax, which would all have gone to additional funds for police, fire, and first responders at these various events.” The city of Tuscaloosa stated that it needs an extra 4 million dollars for police and fire pensions, and the sale of alcohol would eventually help meet those needs. Tyner continued to provide statements from the city of Tuscaloosa that UA has never released. “The University of Alabama is the only SEC school to not reimburse it’s city police for overtime” said, Tyner.

The city of Tuscaloosa and Councilor Tyner stressed major concern of the more problems that would rise if alcohol were served at UA sporting events, “we have such a problem dealing with students, fans, and people all over the city on gameday during normal times, and we don’t see it being served would be a good idea,” stated, Tyner.

            Assistant Director of Athletic Communications Roots Woodruff provided much in point from UA’s side. “I believe that doing anything to increase the university in a positive way is always a good thing, this would make us much more similar to many of the different entertainment industries where their spectators get to enjoy an alcoholic beverage,” said Woodruff.

            The University of Alabama is one of few schools in the SEC that doesn’t serve alcohol at its events, and UA is always looking for ways to increase their image, standard, and gameday experience. Woodruff continually stated how, “selling alcohol would keep us as one of the tops in the country for athletic events and sports entertainment as a whole.”

            “Our security teams always do a great job at our events, they put themselves in great areas to succeed, and always keep everyone safe,” proclaimed Woodruff when asked about the need for increased security at alcohol-served events.

Roots Woodruff wants Alabama to continue to be at the height of collegiate sports at entertainment (Jesse K. Kelley)

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(Kip Tyner- 205-394-8375 or ktyner@tuscaloosa.com)

(Roots Woodruff- rwoodruff@ia.ua.edu)