The University of Kentucky Athletics department has exciting news for baseball and softball fans as they will be piloting the sale of alcoholic beverages at home games during the upcoming seasons. The initiative was announced by UK Director of Athletics Mitch Barnhart, who emphasized that the priority is to enhance the experience of student-athletes and fans.
Barnhart stated that they carefully considered data, lessons learned, and best practices from other institutions to arrive at the decision to implement the pilot program. They are committed to learning more about how alcohol sales will impact the sporting experience and are optimistic that it will result in a positive outcome.
UK President Eli Capilouto praised the department’s methodical approach, which considered the best interest of all parties involved, including the student-athletes and sports fans. Capilouto emphasized that the decision to pilot the program was not taken lightly and will lead to the best experience for all.
The pilot program will include the sale of beer and seltzer products in cans or cups. There will be a limit of two drinks per transaction, and identification checks will be required for each transaction. Baseball alcohol sales will conclude at the end of the top of the seventh inning, while softball alcohol sales will end at the end of the top of the fifth inning.
The baseball season will begin on Tuesday, February 21, with a game against Evansville, which will kick off a nine-game homestand at Kentucky Proud Park. UK softball, on the other hand, will commence on Wednesday, March 8, with a game against Dayton at John Cropp Stadium.
It’s important to note that no additional spring sports will be included in the pilot program, and the University of Kentucky Athletics department remains committed to prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of all involved. Fans can look forward to enjoying their favorite alcoholic beverages while rooting for their favorite teams in the upcoming seasons.
