Local brewery, Whaler’s, will be one of the few beverages available for purchase at the Ryan Center concessions during basketball games. PHOTO CREDIT: Greg Clark
For the first time ever, Ram fans can now raise a glass from the comfort of their own seats inside the Ryan Center.
Beginning last month, fans ages 21 and up are now allowed to purchase alcohol inside the venue on a trial basis. Fans are limited to just two drinks per purchase and alcohol sales end at the beginning of the second half, according to the new policy. Additionally, fans who wish to purchase alcohol are required to obtain a wristband from a checkpoint that allows security to ensure that anyone drinking an alcoholic beverage during the game was verified of age.
Leah Becki, general manager of the Ryan Center and Boss Ice Arena, is confident that the procedures in place will ensure that issues don’t arise during games at the Ryan Center.
“We didn’t just come up with these plans on our own,” Becki said. “We looked at best practices, what works, what behavior to look for, you know, we do that across the board for all of our events. My crew here has also had opportunities to work at other events, so I feel our plan in place is his best practice in the industry.”
URI isn’t the first school to begin selling alcohol at games, according to Maureen McCarthy, Associate Director of Ticketing/Director of Ticket Operations at the Ryan Center.
“One of the things is that, and we’ve done a ton of research over the years on this, is that the trend in college athletics is going towards allowing beer and wine sales.” McCarthy said. “We’re the 12th school in the A-10 alone that now is doing alcohol sales. So it is a trend, it’s not like we’re an outlier. Obviously PC has it, Bryant has it, so it was the next logical step. It just kind of made sense to be able to bring that along to our fans who see it everywhere except here.”
Being able to enjoy an alcoholic beverage at the Ryan Center is not a new experience. Back in 2012, in response to fan demand, the Ryan Center opened areas where spectators could buy alcohol. However, at that time, fans were required to stay in a specific area while they enjoyed their beverage. Becki said they wanted to take things to the next step this time around by allowing fans who purchase alcohol to bring it back to their seats.
“We had been working with the University for many years and we talked to our fans and we got feedback,” Becki said. “We found that this would enhance the fan experience and we knew that we could do this right and safely and maintain a friendly atmosphere.”
Becki obtained a temporary class F liquor license from the South Kingstown Town Council after meeting with University leadership last November. Becki said the eventual goal of this “trial period” is to obtain a permanent class J license, which would allow the University to sell alcohol at all men’s and women’s basketball games as well as other events at the discretion of the University. She hopes to obtain this license by the end of the season and is confident that the Ryan Center is well-prepared for that transition.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that we won’t be going to the permanent sales for the next basketball season next year,” Becki said.
McCarthy also hopes it will ultimately bring more fans into the stands.
“We’re just super excited, and hope everybody enjoys a beverage responsibly who wants to and I do think it’s been a long time coming.” McCarthy said. “And hopefully we can continue to increase and make the fan experience a better one.”