ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The first football weekend of the season is always a big deal in Ann Arbor, but this year has some big changes for the National Champions and their fans.
In addition to a new coach, alcohol will be sold at Michigan Stadium for the first time starting at Saturday’s game against Fresno State.
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The Big House has received a Class C liquor license, which allows an establishment to sell and serve, spirits, mixed drinks, beer and wine.
Alcohol is already sold during events at the Yost Ice Arena and Crisler Center.
To ensure safety during alcohol sales at the venues, the athletics department partnered with other university departments, like the Division of Public Safety and Security and Risk Management.
Ann Arbor Deputy Police Chief Patrick Maguire said they’ll be ready Saturday.
“If you work for Ann Arbor police, you’re going to be a part of game day tomorrow. We will have all hands on deck,” Maguire said. “Our main focus is to make sure everyone has fun and is safe. Especially after the game, we’ll have a lot of folks making sure no one is driving impaired or driving unsafe.”
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To make sure minors aren’t served, people 21 and older will be given wristbands. Alcohol won’t be sold until one hour before kickoff and sales will stop early in the fourth quarter.
There is a two-drink limit per purchase.