NU Regents approve beer at baseball and softball games
It's batter up and beer on at Husker home baseball and softball games.
The University of Nebraska Board of Regents voted 5-2 to allow alcohol sales at Haymarket Park in Lincoln starting Friday evening.
"We've been preparing for if this vote happened, for them to have stock ready to go and people ready to sell," new NU Athletic Director Troy Dannen said.
University officials believe allowing beer to be sold at Husker baseball and softball games clears a lot of bases.
"To provide this amenity that many, many of our fans have been asking for," interim NU President Chris Kabourek said.
Kabourek said it aligns the Big Red with other schools in the Big 10 and other major conferences.
And they haven't had any problems with alcohol sales at other Husker venues such as basketball games, the Big 10 Wrestling Tournament and Volleyball Day at Memorial Stadium.
"I think we've really proven and shown that we can do this responsibly," Kabourek said.
He believes it will enhance the fan experience.
Board of Regents Chairperson Rob Schafer agreed.
"As long as adults can behave like adults, they should be able to buy a beverage if that's what they choose," Schafer said.
Regents Barbara Weitz and Kathy Wilmot voted no.
"You're only talking about the adult fans. I'm sorry you're forgetting about the family aspect. You're forgetting the kids," Wilmot said.
Kabourek said they will step up alcohol awareness education for students.
UNL Chancellor Rodney Bennett said that is an important component to expanding sales.
"As we go down that road that we really take that component seriously and designated the right amount of funding and support in order to get that across the finish line," Bennett said.
NU has agreed to put its share of the alcohol sales, around $150,000 a year toward improvements to the 20-year-old park.
"It's a great amenity and it's going to help the park because we will be a beneficiary indirectly of whatever happens," Dannen said.
In other action, Regents approved Phase Two of Memorial Stadium South Stadium Renovation Project.
Kabourek said the plan is to continue design work and determine the financial feasibility of the $450-million project.
The new athletic director is still determining how to proceed with the project.
"There are things that need to be done inside that stadium, chair backs, upgrading the club facilities, some ADA work, there's restrooms, concessions, wireless," Dannen said.
"If you look at any project it's ability to play for itself," Dannen said.
Regents also unanimously named the $165 million Go Big Facility the "Osborne Legacy Complex" after College Hall-of-Fame coach and former athletic director Tom Osborne.
"It is the best support facility in the country, bar none, and his name should be on the best," Dannen said.
Regents also unanimously named the ice rink at Baxter Arena in Omaha Kemp Ice.
It is in honor of Mike Kemp. He is UNO Hockey's first coach and long-time administrator who will be retiring in May.