The University of Colorado's ban on beer sales at Folsom Field will remain in effect for the 2001 football season, which kicks off with a 6 p.m. contest Sunday, Aug. 26, versus the Fresno State Bulldogs.
Instituted as a two-year trial program in 1996, the ban was extended indefinitely in 1998. That decision was supported by community leaders and by local and campus law enforcement officials.
"We believe that all of our loyal fans deserve an exciting game-day experience at Folsom Field, without the negative second-hand effects of excessive drinking," said Bob Maust, director of CU-Boulder's "A Matter of Degree" program.
"While there will probably always be a number of people who still choose to test the rules concerning alcohol use, we hope that alternative activities around football games, greater awareness of the policies and increased enforcement will eventually lead to a reduction of this type of behavior," Maust said.
"In addition, we want to make sure the newest members of our campus community are aware of our policies."
Increased enforcement of the policy has occurred at the university, and particularly, in the stadium in recent years. For example, alcohol-related infractions incurred by a CU-Boulder student on- or off-campus could qualify as a strike in CU's new "Three Strikes" policy, or could be grounds for suspension or expulsion, in and of itself.
The Three Strikes policy was implemented on the Boulder campus last fall, resulting in the suspension of 14 students during the year.
The alcohol policy at Folsom Field states, "Alcohol is not permitted in Folsom Field or on stadium grounds. Individuals caught with alcoholic beverages will be removed from the stadium. Inebriated individuals will be denied admission to the stadium. Such ejections are not grounds for refunds."
The container policy for the stadium allows non-disposable containers no bigger than two liters or half-gallon sizes, or one factory-sealed bottle of water up to one liter in size. Fruit must be sliced or quartered. Alcohol, gallon thermoses, ice chests, cans and glass are not allowed.
According to the CU Police Department, consumption of alcohol and tailgating is permitted only in certain assigned parking areas on campus where one-day use permits have been purchased.
The early-season contest on Aug. 26 coincides with "move-in weekend" for most CU-Boulder students. Classes begin Monday, Aug. 27th.
As a result, several campus activities are planned for incoming students from Aug. 22 through the 26th. They include late-night activities at the Recreation Center, free late-night movies at Williams Village on Aug. 24th and a "Welcome Back" picnic Saturday afternoon and kick-off concert Saturday evening.