If you’ve been missing the option for a beer at Husker baseball/softball games, there may be good news soon. The University of Nebraska Board of Regents is set to vote on the matter next Friday, April 19.
Regents will be taking up Addendum XI-B-2, which would permit the sale of alcohol during the baseball and softball season effective immediately if the board approves.
The NU Board’s vote on this was delayed until the University could reach a revenue split agreement with NEBCO, the co-owner of Haymarket park.
Announced Friday morning, Interim NU President Chris Kabourek and new Husker Athletic Director Troy Dannen have finalized an agreement with NEBCO, approving that all revenues from alcohol sales would be reinvested back into the Haymarket Park stadium, which is over 20 years old and in need of capital improvements.
Fans are currently able to purchase alcohol in the park during Lincoln Saltdogs games.
Kabourek noted that there have been no significant alcohol-related fan incidents at other Husker events at which alcohol has been permitted, including men’s and women’s basketball games at Pinnacle Bank Arena, Volleyball Day in Nebraska, and the Big Ten wrestling championships.
“This is about improving the fan experience,” Kabourek said. “We do not make recommendations related to alcohol lightly, but our teams have shown that we can responsibly provide this amenity that our fans have been asking for and that almost all of our peers offer. I’m very pleased that we have reached this positive outcome with NEBCO and we couldn’t be more grateful to continue the University of Nebraska’s wonderful partnership with the Abel family and the entire NEBCO team.”
“This is a win for our fans, Husker Athletics and the University of Nebraska,” said Dannen. “Not only does this added fan amenity bring Nebraska in line with national trends, but it gives us an opportunity to make much-needed investments that will make our facilities more competitive. All of us at Husker Athletics thank Jack and Jim Abel and the NEBCO team for their support and partnership and look forward to continuing our strong working relationship.”
The April 19 regents meeting is open to the public, and begins at at 9 a.m. at Verner Hall. There will also be a livestream of the meeting at nebraska.edu.