Alcohol sales went 'extremely well' at SDSU, USD games this fall, Regents report

Alcohol sales at general admission games and events at South Dakota's public colleges have gone "extremely well.”

That was the statement from Brian Maher, executive director of the Board of Regents on Thursday, as he spoke of the new program’s successes over the last semester.

Students at South Dakota State University urged Regents to approve an alcohol policy during a BOR meeting exactly one year ago.

After some initial delays and time for more research on the topic, the BOR approved the alcohol policy in June.

Soon, the first drinks sold at SDSU and at the University of South Dakota in September.

Five of South Dakota’s six public universities have implemented alcohol sales on campus for events, with the exception of Dakota State University, which will do so upon completion of its new activities complex, Maher said.

While it’s tough to draw direct correlations, Maher said, “all indications are positive that this has been a good addition to student life, and to the university experience.”

More:South Dakota State reports 'smooth' debut of beer sales at football game, but with longer lines

Alcohol sales totaled $425,000 in the first semester, and there was no increase in alcohol-related incidents at the games where alcohol was sold, Maher said.

The presence of general admission sales appears to have had a positive correlation with reducing such incidents, Maher said, noting students told the Regents that would happen.

Attendance at games increased from last year because of the new policy, as did concessions sales, Maher said.

“It’s going extremely well,” he said. “This is a testament to the level of effort and thought in the rollout at the campus level. It’s a positive addition to the student and fan experience at activities.”

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Alcohol sales went 'extremely well' at South Dakota's colleges in fall