Alcohol Will Now Be Sold At Gopher Hockey, Basketball Games

MINNEAPOLIS — Beer and wine will be available to purchase at Gopher hockey and basketball games, thanks to an unanimous vote by the University of Minnesota Board of Regents this week. Sales will begin this fall and winter at 3M Arena at Mariucci for hockey games and Williams Arena for basketball games.

Additionally, fans with Maturi Pavilion clubroom access during volleyball and wrestling matches will also now be able to purchase alcohol.

"We are appreciative of the Board in approving this measure," said Athletics Director Mark Coyle in a statement. "Our No. 1 goal will always remain to provide a safe and fan-friendly environment, but we also need to continue to be competitive in the amenities we offer our fans."

The university says the move to allow alcohol sales "is the latest example of how the athletic department has continued to expand offerings to fans."

The University of Minnesota is the latest among a flurry of Power Five conference programs to allow sales of alcohol at games.