Meade Stadium adds new security measures, updates concessions
Fans over the age of 21 are now permitted to purchase beer and wine at Rhody football games as part of their recent policy changes PHOTO CREDIT: Griffin Lamoureux | Contributing Photographer
The concession stands at Meade Stadium at The University of Rhode Island have followed suit with the changes to the Ryan Center last year and have allowed for the sale of beer and wine at the football stadium, along with changes to concessions that will make the game day experience more efficient for fans and employees.
In regards to security, the stadium has added a clear bag policy and now does not allow for re-entry into the stadium during games. The goal of these changes is to make a safer and more secure venue.
As far as concessions goes, there will now be “satelite concessions” that allow for fans to order food from their phone during games. Additionally, the sale of beer and wine is now permitted during events.
Maureen McCarthy, Associate Athletic Director in charge of ticketing at the Ryan Center, saw similarities between the arena and Meade and an opportunity to make the stadium more secure and efficient for fans.
“We want to try and emulate the Ryan Center and the safety and procedures that happen here,” McCarthy said. “You know this is a 7,800 seat arena, Meade Stadium holds about the same, so really when you have that many people you should be mirroring the same kind of process, procedures and security measures for that large scale event, so it just made sense.”
The sale of beer and wine was approved by the state of Rhode Island last year for the Ryan Center, allowing for the operations teams to move forward with the policy changes. However, URI has the authority to restrict the sale of beer and wine for certain events, including their own football games if they deem it necessary.
In regards to the clear bag policy, McCarthy said the main reason for this new rule was because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ryan Center implemented this during the pandemic to avoid having to look through bags.
The second reason was for convenience. When someone does choose they want to bring a clear bag it is a faster procedure through security whereas before an opaque bag would have to be fully searched.
Like almost every sports venue in the United States there is a strict no re-entry policy now at Meade Stadium. They have created these policies to have better surveillance over fans, ensuring a safer environment.
These policies may improve aspects of the game day experience, but Leah Becki, General Manager at the Ryan Center, believes there are always ways to improve.
“We take a look at how long lines are when people are coming into the game and getting snacks,” Becki said. “We also look at ways to entertain before the game and at halftime. There are always ways to make it more efficient.”
Becki, McCarthy and their teams will look to work out the kinks as, in their first official year back from the pandemic, the football team is packing the stands, selling out their home opener with Delaware.
Despite the chaos of sold out events, Becki wouldn’t have it any other way.
“We haven’t had a full year of crowds since the pandemic,” Becki said. “Now, everything is crazy, but it is good to be working together with everyone again.”