7/20/23 - Michigan's Governor Legalizes Alcohol Sales At College Sporting Events

Gov. Whitmer says public universities in Michigan can start selling alcohol at their venues.

-Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill allowing public universities in Michigan to sell alcohol at college football, basketball and hockey games.   

Sales would be permitted an hour before the start of the game. Supporters hope the idea will prevent binge drinking before a game and earn some extra money for the schools. 

Schools would be allowed to apply for licenses for 100 total days during a calendar year.  

No word yet if state schools will decide to the sell alcohol at their sporting events.  

Currently 11 of the other Big Ten schools allow alcohol sales at football games. 

The bill was introduced by state Sen. Sean McCann, D-Kalamazoo. Senate Bill 247 gives public universities the option to apply for a liquor license but they aren’t obligated to do so. McCann said previously that alcohol had been available at some college sporting events and for those watching the game from a suite.  

Some lawmakers voted against the bill questioning the necessity. Many take part in tailgating before coming to a college/university sporting event. 

Gov. Whitmer said, "Authorizing the legal sale of alcohol at sporting events will bring us on equal footing with other universities, help reduce the likelihood of binge drinking before games, and bring in a heck of a lot more revenue that we can use to improve the student experience." "I am proud that we are getting this done and making fall evenings at Spartan Stadium or the Big House safer and more fun."