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UT Allows Beer and Wine Sales at Spring Sporting Events

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The University of Texas now allows selling of beer and wine at all remaining basketball, baseball, softball and relays track event games this spring.

The Longhorns joins West Virginia and Kansas State in the Big 12 that permits alcohol sales for the general seating fans. A University of Texas spokesperson said that UT campuses in San Antonio, Arlington and El Paso already allow beer and wine at sporting events.

The Texas university officials kick started their alcohol sales Friday at Red & Charline McCombs Field during the Texas softball invitational tournament. Each beer or glass of wine costs $8.

However, beer and wine will not be served during the spring football game April 19 at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium.

"This trial will be in effect this spring for all remaining men's and women's basketball, softball and baseball games, and the fan fest area at the Texas Relays," Steve Patterson, UT Men's Athletics Director, said in a statement. "We could look into expanding it for other sports events next fall provided the outcome of the trial is positive."

If the university officials decide to include football as well, the alcohol sales could create $1 million a year in extra revenue to the athletic program that already generates $165 million annually. However, UT officials claimed that the sales were not meant to generate revenue but to enhance 'the fan experience.'

"I'm enhanced, I'm enhanced," James Dryer, a Texas Longhorn fan, said. "I'm looking forward to football season to see if they also do it," KXAN reports.

Eloy Estrada, who was present at the stadium Friday, said that selling of beer and wine is a good idea as long as people behave properly at the games. Estrada's daughter is on the southern miss team that's playing in the tournament, My Fox Austin reports.

At the end of the 2014 season, UT Athletics, UT Police, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission will assess the efficiency and security of the alcohol sales to decide whether alcohol should be offered at other sporting events too.

"I think it might be a good thing. I think it might generate a little more money," Chad Flint, another Texas fan, said. "It might help with sales a little bit. It might encourage students to come more, which might be exciting for more students."

Alcohol is not permitted at 29 universities across the country including Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.

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