HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Beginning this Saturday, football fans at Marshall University’s Joan C. Edwards Stadium will be allowed to purchase beer throughout the stadium.
“We just look at it as we’re trying to improve our atmosphere,” said Aaron Goebbel, associate athletic director at Marshall.
The beer sales were approved by the university’s Board of Governor’s earlier this year as part of a new policy. This is meant to enhance the game experience by adding more options for fans, Goebbel said.
“We want to add an ammenity to individuals who care to have an adult beverage and enjoy themselves,” he said.
The university has generated a lot of support for the sales. Goebbel said passouts will remain in place for Marshall fans.
“We’ve got a great fan base. They are very respectful, a positive fan base. There’s a strong contingent of our donors, our contributors that want that option, so we’re glad to provide it to them,” he said.
Last year, Marshall expanded alcohol sales from the Big Green Room only to include the chair-back seating areas. Now those sales are being allowed across the stadium.
The new policy also says the stadium will have designated alcohol-free seating sections.
“Naturally, there are individuals who would feel better if they were not in areas where there is alcohol if they have kids of families and we totally understand that, so we’ve provided some areas,” Goebbel said.
In addition to expanded alcohol sales, Marshall has a new Herd Zone store inside the stadium. New television sets have also been installed around the concession stands so fans can watch the game while on the concourse.
Goebbel said he believes the beer sales will benefit the university in many ways including additional revenue.
The Marshall Thundering Herd hosts the Miami RedHawks Saturday at 6:30 p.m.