The University of Wisconsin–Madison on Thursday announced plans to expand beer, wine, and prepackaged alcohol sales to the general public at the Kohl Center and LaBahn Arena beginning this season, according to the Wisconsin State Journal. Previously, that offer was available only to those in suites and club seats.
The school will become the 12th of 14 in its conference to sell beer to public ticket holders aged 21 or older. There are no plans yet for the beer sales expansion to be extended to Camp Randall Stadium for Badger football games.
The late Rebecca Blank, former chancellor at UW, opposed expanding alcoholic beverage sales beyond premium areas; her successor, Jennifer Mnookin, however, is allowing the change.
Earlier this year, a pilot program was launched to study expanded alcohol sales at UW venues. It was slated to begin at a March 2022 concert at the Kohl center, but the event was cancelled. It launched for a Shania Twain concert at the arena in May. Future concerts at the Kohl Center will include alcohol sales as well, and the results are being evaluated.
