Tuscaloosa City Council approves alcohol sales at UA Coleman Coliseum

Even though the Alabama Crimson Tide Basketball team lost to the number one ranked Auburn Tigers last night, fans can at least celebrate the passage of a measure by the Tuscaloosa City Council to allow alcohol sales at Coleman Coliseum. 

About an hour before last night’s game, which was played on the Plains, the Council approved the selling of beer, wine and hard seltzers at the 54-year old multi-purpose arena for basketball games and gymnastic meets.

One Step Remains

Only one thing is standing in the way of alcohol sales at Coleman Coliseum—the state of Alabama must approve the liquor license, which is normally granted.

“It’s coming. I think we’ve all known it and now that at least three SEC schools have already bit the bullet, we’ll probably soon see all 14 schools will have it,” said City Council President Kip Tyner, according to CBS 42.

Levy Premium Foodservice LP, Alabama’s concessionaire, submitted the application to the city council. They also manage concessions and alcohol sales at Arkansas and Texas A&M.  

The Southeastern Conference first lifted its on-campus venue ban on alcohol sales in 2019, allowing schools to decide on the issue for themselves.

Depending on staff training and the state of Alabama, alcohol sales could occur this month.