Can I get a beer in Byrd?
For $40,000-to-$50,000, Maryland fans can get a sweet new suite in Byrd Stadium, but food is not included and you can forget about any adult beverages. Period.
I'm sorry, what are you paying for again? Oh, right. To watch about seven home games from the swanky "dry" seats.
Now, this isn't professional sports (even though Congressman Bobby Rush would like it to be, what with paychecks for athletes who already go to school for free). But these faithful fans are paying mad cash for a different experience. Give it to them, along with a Yuengling.
According to Brian Ullmann, one of those high-ranking official types over in Comast Center, it ain't gonna happen. It's campus policy.
"We're college athletics," Ullmann said. "It's a pure experience for people."
Why can't it be "pure and refreshing" at the same time? At Virginia Tech, suite holders are allowed alcohol as long as they bring it in the day before and keep it in their suite on game day. No alcohol is brought into the stadium on game day. The same goes for Virginia, where they have "stocking days" for fans to come before the game and stock the fridge. (See, Maryland, I did the marketing for you!) Florida State fans are also allowed to BYOB, as are most of the ACC schools that have football suites.
It's not like you could ever bring alcohol into Byrd Stadium to begin with, but if it's not in the parking lot across the street, then Maryland grads missed the class on tailgating. Besides, the campus policy isn't THAT strict. Did you know Maryland students who are 21 can drink in their dorm rooms? (Just close the door, people, and no kegs or parties or wandering out into any common areas, like, say, Byrd Stadium).
Comments
You do what it takes to sell the suites. And since Debbie Yow cares about nothing but the bottom line (sometimes at the expense of common sense) if sales are lacking this policy will be skirted.
Posted by: Tom | May 7, 2007 6:02 PM
You can't drink in the high rises even if you are 21...those are supposed to be strictly dry. But thats something small, and maybe its changed without me knowing. But I'm pretty sure my RA couldn't drink even though he was 21.
On the other hand, you are absolutely correct about everything else. These are the people that are funding the expansion with those ridiculous prices. Other schools do it, but its ridiculous. I want to say there is a policy about ACC venues serving alcohol, but I'm not sure. I certainly wouldn't be opposed to the BYOB rule, however, and I never see myself ever stepping foot in one of those suites.
Posted by: JJ | May 7, 2007 6:06 PM
Outstanding blog today. Drugs get such a bum rap in the media and elsewhere. It's about time someone stood up for responsible drug use. Good job H.
Posted by: Colfax | May 7, 2007 6:10 PM
Let's turn that frown upside down, Terp fans, time for Papa John's pizza's Deal or No Deal. Coming up a little bit later, we'll pick out the dirtiest car in the parking lot and I'll make an obnoxious announcement about a free carwash over the loudspeaker. After that, Advance Auto Parts will award fans free antifreeze if the Terps score two touchdowns. What? There's a football game going on? You don't say. This message brought to you by Chevy Chase Bank.
Posted by: Joel Dee | May 8, 2007 9:25 AM
Alcohol is evil. You can expect a $500 fine if you write about this subject again.
Posted by: Philip Tou | May 8, 2007 9:53 AM
Hey PHILIP ... Have another!
Posted by: Heather D | May 8, 2007 10:02 AM
Too bad you are so down on the new suites at Byrd, I was going to buy one just to invite you to a better place to watch the games! lol
Posted by: Mike | May 8, 2007 10:18 AM
I bet if Yuengling sponsored the beer fridges they would be allowed. Or, the folks up in the suites can do like us commoners and smuggle a few beverages into Bryd (shhh, don't tell anyone!).
Posted by: GPT | May 8, 2007 12:47 PM
I'm with you Heather. There is no need for alcohol in the suites. When you have a group of alpha-males overindulging, regrettable instances are bound to occur.
Posted by: GOTERPSS | May 8, 2007 3:46 PM