LETTER FROM JAMIE POLLARD
Dear Cyclone Fans,
As many of you know, we are living in one of the most transformational periods in the history of college athletics. University athletic departments across the country are facing uncertainty and significant financial pressures from rapidly increasing costs.
Iowa State is not immune to the challenges or to the financial strain. Over the past year, we have worked closely with university leadership to identify new cost containment measures and increased revenue streams through ticket sales and donations, sponsorship and licensing, and new opportunities to host events in our athletic facilities (concerts, state high school championships, etc.).
Additionally, we have studied and analyzed the prospect of alcohol sales at Jack Trice Stadium and Hilton Coliseum during athletic events. Many of our peers have successfully taken this step. We are confident that we can initiate the sale of alcohol throughout our facilities and ensure a positive and safe environment for all of our guests.
We will begin offering alcohol sales at Jack Trice Stadium this fall, and Hilton Coliseum this winter. This decision will require changes to some of our current gameday policies:
- Guests will no longer be allowed to leave and re-enter Jack Trice Stadium at any point during the game.
- Guests must be 21 years of age or older to purchase alcoholic beverages and must provide legal identification at the time of purchase.
- Sales will be limited to two (2) alcoholic beverages, per person, per sale.
- Beer, wine, and pre-packaged ready-to-drink cocktails will be offered.
- Alcoholic beverages will be sold in the north and south expanded gate areas, and the north and south concourses. They will not be sold at the permanent concession stands located on the east and west concourses to prevent additional pedestrian congestion in these areas. However, there will be a limited number of portable concession locations on the east and west concourses.
- Alcohol will not be allowed on the grass hillsides (Jr. Cyclone Club areas).
- Alcohol will not be sold by vendors within the seating areas.
- There will be designated stop times for the sale of alcohol during games (e.g., end of the third quarter in football).
- Current alcohol policies within the Jack Trice Club, Sukup Endzone Club, suites, Johnny’s, Champion’s Club, and other official hospitality areas will remain unchanged.
- A portion of the net proceeds from the sale of all alcoholic beverages will support alcohol education, student wellness programming, and public safety enhancements, to support a safe and welcoming community.
In conjunction with these changes, the university will continue to invest in game day safety initiatives designed to protect fans, student-athletes and visitors. This includes enhanced event staffing, continued evaluation of venue security practices and investments in technology to detect weapons as fans pass through the stadium gates.
We recognize that this decision and the associated policy changes will impact Cyclone fans differently. It is our hope that we can all work together to ensure a smooth rollout. We ask for your cooperation to ensure a positive atmosphere for everyone and to protect the safety of all guests, participants and staff. A positive game day experience is mission critical to our athletics program.
Thank you for your understanding, cooperation, and support.
Go Cyclones!
Jamie Pollard
Endowed Cyclone Director of Athletics
Iowa State University
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