The TCI staff of Ed McGranahan, Hale McGranahan, Will Vandervort, William Qualkinbush and Robert MacRae go Around the Horn to answer some of the questions surrounding Clemson athletics.
As many as 21 on-campus stadiums, including Louisville–plus 11 municipal venues–will sell beer this year. Should beer be sold at Death Valley?
Ed McGranahan: “Once upon a time, the fantasy tales begin, the land was free of vice, ordained by those Holier Than Thou and Thee. Never mind games of chance like bingo and video poker, which were available to all, and eventually mini-bottle liquor which was sold because somebody thought the smaller bottles would curb thirst. Now moral fiber is in tatters with lottery gambling and liquor out of magnums and shopping on Sunday. Don’t try to argue that it will minimize the drunks in the stadium, which is supposed to be haven for the “family” atmosphere. Have you walked through a parking lot before kickoff? Do you think they get sober between Jervey Meadows and the upper deck? Don’t walk away from thousands of dollars because it doesn’t suit somebody’s sensibilities. Why do you think everybody leaves the stadium at halftime?”
Will Vandervort: “No, beer should not be sold at Death Valley. Yes, it would generate more revenue, but at what expense? College football is and has always has been viewed as a family atmosphere. Though some people can handle drinking a few beers and not getting sloppy drunk, we all know there are some out there that have problems and should not be drinking at all. Unfortunately, those who abuse the use of any alcohol are the ones that cause issues like fighting and swearing around young children. Heck, we already have those problems without beer being sold in Memorial Stadium. Imagine what it might be like if they start to sell it inside. Situations like this might cause some families to avoid coming to football games if this is allowed. I know a good many people consume a lot of beer during their tailgates and hey, back in my college days and youth, I was as guilty of that as anyone. But if you drink all day outside the stadium, why does one feel the need to drink inside? Let’s just keep it as it is.”
Robert MacRae: “My answer to this one is not no beer should not be sold in the Valley. It’s been a long time since I was in the stands for a game in Death Valley as I am always on the field, but I do not think this is a good idea. Most of the schools allowing beer sales are smaller schools that really need the revenue. Louisville is one of the exceptions. In my opinion Clemson fans are passionate enough about their football. They don’t need beer or artificial passion for the stands. Last year I was at a Panther game and had a fan behind me fall off his seat right onto me and his whole beer ended up all over my clothes. I would also be worried about more fights and nonsense in the stands. For Clemson there are better ways to raise a little more revenue if needed.”
William Qualkinbush: “Generally, I have no problem giving a strong opinion on topics, but this one has me torn. On one hand, it’s always struck me as a nice contrast between college and pro sports that college games don’t feature in-stadium alcohol sales and pro games do. Sure, there are schools that have been selling alcohol at games for years playing in pro stadiums. Sure, people still get hammered before games and cause a scene inside the friendly confines of Memorial Stadium, and others will just ignore the rules and bring their own stash into the game anyway. Part of me also sees the potential for the athletic department to create revenue from this corner of the game day market and the ability for university officials and law enforcement to better monitor alcohol consumption during games because, let’s be honest, it’s happening already without any supervision. Plus, as Ed alluded, it would eliminate the impetus behind the pass-out policy, which I detest and loathe with all of my being. Simply put, I’m very much on the fence. As someone who doesn’t drink alcohol, I like the idea of a sanctuary, but I’m not sure one exists right now. I’m very torn on this issue, and it bothers me.”
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