The Lobos play the Colorado State Rams Saturday in the first official game of the season while some fans will be enjoying University Stadium’s recently-received liquor license.
UNM received its liquor license for the PIT and the University Stadium in early July and will now allow alcohol in certain suites that cost up to $40,000 a season and $1,000-per-game seats.
“It’s not like booze is going to be flowing down the mezzanine,” University spokeswoman Susan McKinsey said in July. “It’s not like Isotopes Park where there is beer everywhere.”
Still, the UNM Police department and Albuquerque Police Department are ready to handle any drunken behavior.
“Officers will be there ready to handle the issues or problems that may arise,” APD spokesman Patrick Ficky said.
UNMPD spokesman Lieutenant Robert Haarhues said all University Stadium ushers and employees are trained in how to spot intoxicated fans.
“Intoxicated people are not allowed in the stadium, and they are all trained to make sure that doesn’t happen,” he said.
Haarhues said there will be a heavy police presence at Saturday’s game, but he is more concerned about tailgaters and drinking in the parking lot, than those allowed to buy alcohol in stadium suits.
“This is something we plan for every year,” he said.
Athletics spokesman Frank Mercogliano said he didn’t know how alcohol in the University Stadium could affect the atmosphere of the game.
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