There is no shortage of evidence that underage drinking and binge drinking are problems in this country. So why has there been a decade-long trend of serving alcohol at college sports? Doesn’t increased access result in even more abuse?
Should alcohol be served at college sports? The simple answer is “yes.” Click here for the proof behind the answer.
“Recognizing the importance of ensuring a safe environment at our sporting events, we proactively partnered with TEAM Coalition back in 2011 to train our game day staff — even before alcohol was sold at our venues – with the understanding that many attendees arrived having consumed varying levels of alcohol.”
— Michelle Fabrizio, Associate Athletics Director,
Operations and Events at University of Michigan
TEAM training is utilized by more than 130 sports and entertainment venues across North America. In 2024, the 11,448 employees of 36 colleges and universities represented one-fourth of the total number of employees certified. The 2024 number represented a 78% increase over 2023. Click here to view the three-year history of TEAM training with NCAA institutions.
Aramark (the industry leader serving 21 NCAA sports venues and power conference schools) certified more than 7,100 employees at 17 schools in 2024 in the TEAM alcohol management program. Aramark is the concessionaire for seven of the ten universities with the most TEAM-certified concessions employees in 2024.
“Success is not just about winning games; it’s about creating an environment that makes fans want to come back time and time again.”
— Kris Armes, Aramark,
Director of Collegiate Athletics
Universities and concessionaires are not the only organizations committed to responsible alcohol service. The beer industry sees the value of responsible alcohol service that comes from embracing what TEAM Coalition offers.
“America’s beer and beverage distributors are proud to partner with the TEAM Coalition and their important training initiatives to help venues serve alcohol responsibly, allowing all fans and guests to enjoy themselves.”
— Craig Purser, President and CEO,
National Beer Wholesalers Association
It is a simple concept. By serving alcohol, universities and concessionaires have much greater control over alcohol consumption. The effort involved in maintaining a liquor license is exactly how to minimize underage drinking and binge drinking. Through TEAM training, venue alcohol policies are developed, communicated, and enforced. It is beyond time to acknowledge that unlimited access to alcohol, often seen at fraternity houses and tailgate parties, is unquestionably the wrong approach.
* Martinez, J., Rutledge, P., & Sher, K. (2007). Fake ID ownership and heavy drinking in underage college students: Prospective findings. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 21(2), 226-232 (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2711502/)
** Krieger, H., Young , C., Anthenien, A., & Neighbors, C. (2018). The Epidemiology of Binge Drinking Among College-Age Individuals in the United States. (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6104967/)
