CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) - The University of Illinois will start selling beer in general seating areas at Memorial Stadium and State Farm Center this fall.
School athletics officials said Tuesday that beginning with the 2019 football season beer will be available at several stands around Memorial Stadium, where the Illini football team plays. Alcoholic beverages will continue to be sold in premium seating areas. A portion of sales will be set aside to pay for more police officers and additional security at home football games.
UI Athletic Director Josh Whitman says fans told the school that beer sales would encourage them to use their tickets and increase the amount of time they stay in the stands. Illinois joins five other Big Ten schools that plans to sell beer in their stadiums this fall.
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