USI to expand beer sales at Screaming Eagles Arena

The University of Southern Indiana is announcing a pilot program to offer the sale of beer in public areas of the Screaming Eagles Arena on the USI campus for Men’s and Women’s Basketball games. The sale of beer will begin at the home opening weekend Division I games Friday, November 11 and Sunday, November 13 in the Screaming Eagles Arena in a move aimed at enhancing the fan experience at games. 

A beer selection will be available for purchase at or near existing concession areas on the upper concourse of the Screaming Eagles Arena. Alcohol was previously available for purchase only in box suites and in the Varsity Club Room and only to select small groups.   

“We looked around at what many of our peer institutions in the OVC were doing as well as the Ford Center and a few other Indiana Schools,” says Jon Mark Hall, USI Athletic Director. “The consensus was that there has been a shift in this direction in recent years and, overall, the results have been positive. We believe this is a move that will give our fans something they want as part of the game-day experience while keeping our games safe, family-friendly events.” 

The University is partnering with food service provider Sodexo to implement the sale of beer in the Arena. During the pilot, offerings will include Bud, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra and Busch Light in cans. Sodexo employees providing the service are licensed and have attended TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures). They are well-versed on what to watch for and will also rely on the normal Public Safety and Sheriff’s Department presence for support. As always, fans are encouraged to report unruly behavior by reaching out to Public Safety at 812-492-7777.  

Those wishing to purchase beer will have to verify age and obtain wristbands in advance of standing in line to purchase the product. Customers will be limited to two cans per transaction. Beer sales will begin when doors open one hour prior to the games and will end after the third period for women’s games and midway through the second half for men’s games. Sale of beer is limited to Men’s and Women’s Basketball games at this time.  

Sale of beer during games, like all other concession revenue, is shared between the food service provider and Athletics.  

“These first couple of games will be a pilot for beer sales, but we hope this is something we can continue and even expand on in the future,” said Hall.