New Agreement Paves Way For Alcohol Sales At UA Sports Venues

TUSCALOOSA, AL – The City of Tuscaloosa and the University of Alabama have reached a new agreement that will see beer and wine sales move forward in places like Coleman Coliseum and Bryant-Denny Stadium.

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The collaboration, which will replace the proposed service fee by the city, establishes a new scholarship program to fund annual scholarships for sworn Tuscaloosa Police Department officers and city firefighters and their children as a way to "honor those who protect the communities where UA faculty, staff and students live, and where families and supporters visit."

As Patch previously reported, UA officials in February opted to pause plans to sell alcohol in campus sports venues like Coleman Coliseum and Bryant-Denny Stadium, which followed approval by the Tuscaloosa City Council, due to an unexpected service fee proposed that would have covered the cost of city police providing additional security at events.

The agreement announced on Wednesday will continue the existing shared services arrangements and adds specialty services funding from UA to the City of Tuscaloosa to cover other community event services like enhanced fire and rescue, transportation, and infrastructure services.

“We can’t express enough how much we appreciate and value the many public safety, fire and rescue, transportation, and other staff who help keep our communities safe and running smoothly,” UA President Stuart Bell said on Wednesday. “This agreement underscores the important roles they play and how the University values their roles.”

Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox also expressed his gratitude on the part of the city for the work put in to the new agreement and the benefits that will result.

“The University of Alabama is not only our region’s largest employer and economic driver, they are partners when it comes to ensuring that Tuscaloosa is safe," Maddox said. "I sincerely appreciate Dr. Bell’s thoughtful approach over the last few months as we worked together to provide more for our City’s police officers, firefighters and paramedics. The incredible growth of UA is phenomenal for our community, and this agreement will ensure that we continue to offer the best and safest experiences in the nation.”

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