The University of Georgia will take its time analyzing its stadium alcohol policy “over the coming weeks.”
But at the very least, there’s reason to believe premium seating with alcohol sales could be added for the Bulldogs' basketball and baseball games.
The school recently added an exclusive area at Sanford Stadium — in addition to the skybox suites — where alcohol can be purchased and consumed.
UGA athletic director Greg McGarity said newly designated premium seating areas for alcohol sales is being considered following the conclusion of the SEC Spring Meetings this week at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa.
“All those things are on the table,” McGarity said. “We’ll do our due diligence now that the new (stadium alcohol) policy is in place.”
The SEC presidents and chancellors voted Friday to allow autonomy to the member schools to determine if they want to sell alcohol in general seating areas, effective Aug. 1.
Alabama and Auburn are already on record that they will not sell alcohol in general seating areas, and Georgia president Jere Morehead told DawgNation that while UGA will “review,” he feels good about the policies that have been in place.
McGarity said Georgia’s policies would not be driven by the potential for financial gains.
“Some might feel like it's a financial decision, but it really isn’t a financial-driven policy, It’s more of a fan amemity policy than anything else,” McGarity said. “It’s revenue, but it’s not significant revenue, it’s more about the experience.”
Georgia recently revealed its athletic budget to be $153 million — up $10 million from last year. And that’s not counting the more than $100 million that has been raised since 2015 by the Magill Society.
“Our finances won’t be a determining factor in our policy,” McGarity said, “whatever we decide to do.”
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