Boozed and Approved: City OKs alcohol in Bryant-Denny

By WVUA 23 News Reporter Asher Redd

As long as the state gives a final OK, the University of Alabama will soon be joining several other SEC schools in allowing alcohol sales at football games.

On Tuesday, the Tuscaloosa City Council voted 4-1 on approving the sale of alcohol inside Bryant-Denny Stadium, paving the way for beer and wine sales as early as Alabama’s first home game against Utah State Sept. 3.

The lone dissenting vote came from District 6’s John Faile, and District 2’s Raevan Howard and District 7’s Cassius Lanier were not present.

Many Alabama fans are celebrating the decision.

“Having a good time, alcohol or not, regardless, I’m excited,” said UA freshman Alex Rivas.

The addition of alcohol at Bryant-Denny will add up for the university and the city, as Tuscaloosa is expecting $600,000 in revenue from the move. Much of that influx will be put toward pensions for the Tuscaloosa Police Department and Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue.

“I’m proud of what Tuscaloosa has put together, police and fire department wise, so I think it’s going to a great cause, improving infrastructure, and to improve safety and training,” Rivas said.

Now that Tuscaloosa has signed off on the move, it goes to the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board for approval.

Tuscaloosa City Council President Kip Tyner said there’s little reason to keep Bryant-Denny dry.

“Alcohol has made its way inside that stadium for many years and I think this will make it more controlled and maybe even a little safer,” Tyner said. “Anybody is blind if they don’t know how much alcohol gets in the stadium as it is, so this will not only be more controlled, but it will also produce quite a bit of revenue.”

Anyone serving alcohol inside the stadium will be required to complete a ServSafe alcohol class. Alcohol sales will be offered in the concourses around the stadium but will not be available near the student section.

Sales will end at the end of the third quarter.