PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University (WSU) and food service partner company Aramark have requested that the State Liquor and Cannabis Board consider approving a pilot program for alcohol sales at Gesa Field.
The program, if approved, would allow for beer and wine sales in the general seating section for the upcoming 2025 football season. All alcohol will remain prohibited in the student section.
Aramark asserts that the program would increase public safety at WSU home games. The company said in a letter to the Liquor and Cannabis Board that at another Eastern NCAA Conference football stadium they manage, arrests decreased by 22% and ejections by 27% after allowing beer and wine sales inside the stadium.
The University of Washington, WSU’s Apple Cup rival, implemented a similar pilot program in 2021. The program was deemed successful by the State Liquor and Cannabis Board, and beer and wine sales continue at Husky Stadium in 2025.
Increased safety measures implemented along with the program would include eliminating Hollingberry Fieldhouse as a pre-game alcohol service venue and increasing the security to guest ratio.
Beer and wine would also be sold in different cups to make them more distinguishable from non-alcoholic beverages.
A decision on the pilot program and final comments will be discussed at the upcoming board meeting.
