Iowa State University announced that it will begin selling alcoholic beverages at football and basketball games beginning with the upcoming academic year, a move driven by rising operational costs and a desire to reinvest proceeds into campus safety and student wellness.
Alcohol sales to fund safety and education initiatives
Guests will be required to be at least 21 years old and present valid identification before any purchase, and each transaction will be limited to two drinks. The offerings will include beer, wine and pre‑packaged cocktails, available only in the north and south expanded gate areas and concourses of Jack Trice Stadium and Hilton Coliseum.
Sales will be confined to designated stop times during games, with no alcohol permitted on the grassy hillsides, junior Cyclone Club zones or in the east and west concourse concession stands. In‑seat vendors will not sell alcohol, and fans will not be allowed to leave and re‑enter Jack Trice Stadium once inside.
A portion of the net revenue will be earmarked for alcohol‑education programs, student wellness initiatives and enhanced public‑safety measures, while the athletics department continues to study best practices from peer institutions to ensure a safe implementation.