The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

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Daily Campus ‘cheers’ for step toward spirit

SMU Athletics and administration are finalizing plans to serve beer and wine in Moody Coliseum and Ford Stadium beginning with Moody’s reopening Jan. 4, 2014. The service will be a reality “barring some unforeseen development or obstacle,” according to Rick Hart, director of athletics and a co-chair on the President’s Task Force on Athletics Marketing, Attendance and Community Outreach.

The Daily Campus supports this decision, one of 79 task force recommendations, as a proactive step toward bringing more fans to events in the two venues.

We recognize that serving alcohol to fans is not a perfect solution to address the long-standing campus and athletics issues of school spirit and attendance. However, we see this decision as what the task force meant it to be: one of 79 recommendations working toward increasing attendance, enhancing fan experience, enhancing the SMU brand and maximizing revenue.

And we think it will work.

Beer and wine have been permitted on the Boulevard for many years. Extending that service to Ford and Moody will bring an aspect to game-watching that SMU fans already expect prior to watching a game.

Students will no longer flee the Boulevard in search of other places to socialize when the music stops and beer ceases to flow. Instead of dispersing to homes, apartments, Greek houses and bars, those who want a drink while supporting the team can congregate in Ford.

We do not see the distribution of alcohol at the venues as a substitute or solution to school spirit. We see it as a first step of many in building that spirit for SMU athletics.

When more fans are brought into Moody or Ford, whether undeterred by the past fear of losing their buzz or attracted by the thought of an ice-cold beer in the August heat, they bring energy. That energy will be seen, felt and heard by SMU athletes. Looking up to filled seats that erupt after a score is much more motivational and adrenalin-boosting for an athlete – whether fans are holding beers or not. That motivation push won’t instantly improve our teams, but support certainly won’t hurt them.

Spirit will begin to build for all students, not only those of legal drinking age.

Underclassmen will follow the lead of their elders. Whether 21-year-old juniors and seniors are going to the game for the beer or not, underage first-years and sophomores will be drawn to attend because the older students set that standard.

Safety is a concern and overconsumption will occur. However, those prone to drinking too much will do that no matter where they obtain the alcohol. We are confident that the security and distribution decisions made by SMU Athletics and administration have been well researched and discussed. We believe that the use of 21-and-over wristbands similar to those used on the Boulevard, additional security in student sections and a distribution cutoff at the start of the fourth quarter are necessary and effective safety precautions. We also agree with Hart’s view that if an unsafe environment is a result, alcohol in the venues “may be short-lived.”

The Daily Campus supports efforts to increase SMU spirit and community. If that means having a beer while rooting on the Mustangs — cheers.

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