NU Regents agree to end dry spell at university athletic events — with caveats

The University of Nebraska Board of Regents voted Friday to end a longtime ban on booze sales and consumption at Husker sporting venues  — but there are caveats.

President Ted Carter said that any change related to alcohol at a particular NU campus first would need to be approved by the respective chancellor and then returned to the regents for another round of support.

He called Friday’s action to rescind a 1999 prohibition policy a “first step” and said it would help bring consistency across the university system.

“We’ve followed a piecemeal approach,” he said, noting that beer is sold at the University of Nebraska at Omaha Baxter Arena.

Carter said not to expect immediate shifts, or for beer to start flowing at Memorial Stadium this fall.

“As long as I’m president of the university system, we will never bring alcohol to an athletic event before first bringing it to this body,” Carter said.

All regents present at Friday’s meeting voted in favor of the prohibition lift, some noting that Carter’s pledge helped nudge their vote.

Regent Rob Schafer said he was a “strong believer in treating adults as adults.” 

“It’s time we do this,” he said.