Atkins Supports Vote on TCF Stadium Booze Bill

The University of Minnesota's Board of Regents is scheduled to vote toady at 1:15 p.m. on whether or not to allow alcohol sales during university events at TCF Stadium.

State Rep. Joe Atkins (DFL) is the chief author of the bipartisan bill that, if passed, promises to bring in up to $2 million in additional revenue for the university. 

"As explained to me by U officials, the proposal being voted on by the U's Board of Regents today appears to meet both the letter and the spirit of the compromise struck between the University and the Legislature," Atkins said in a statement to Patch.

Atkins continued: "It treats all fans equally, whether they are sitting in a regular seat or up in a fancy suite. It takes extra precautions to prevent serving alcohol to those who are underage, and it brings in $1.5 to $2 million a year in new revenue at the U. That's exactly what we were looking for when we brought both sides together to solve this issue."

Atkins also said he looks forward to seeing how the proposal is implemented at games and that he is optimistic about the vote given the "great deal of thought" officials have put into it.