Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff
As part of continuing efforts to make the UMass-Lowell Men’s Hockey program more profitable, the University will allow the sale of beer at Tsongas Arena during games this season. The change in policy comes directly from the top, meaning new Chancellor Marty Meehan.
Alcohol sales had previously been prohibited at all River Hawks sporting events as UML is a “dry” campus. However, since Tsongas Arena is technically not a campus facility, it allows the overall policy to remain intact and alcohol will still be banned at other on-campus events. How this affects River Hawks baseball games at LeLacheur Park still remains to be seen.
We will continue to follow this story for you. Stay with the Lowell Sun and its internet sites for more details.
Will this change make it more likely for you to attend UML hockey games this winter? Do you think it will make the school's seniors and of-age students more likely to attend?
UPDATE (12:59pm): LowellSun.com is reporting that River Hawks head coach, Blaise MacDonald was arraigned in Lowell District Court this morning on charges of operating under the influence of alcohol. What, if any, affect this news has on the beer sales policy remains to be seen. But coming on the heels of the battle over the future of the school's hockey program, this is extremely poor timing and a terrible P.R. hit for the university.
Comments (3)
The Blaise situation is a complete embarassment to UML and the city of Lowell. He should be fired immediately and the sale of beer at Tsongas revoked.
UML has been begging for support from Lowell residents all summer. No way will I take a chance to go to the arena and get killed by a drunken fan (or a drunken Blaise McDonald, if he's still with the team) leaving the game. I will be advising everyone I know not to attend any UML games coached by McDonald or where alcohol is sold.
Posted by Reggie Gomez | July 5, 2007 12:39 PM
Posted on July 5, 2007 12:39
I understand being upset about Coach MacDonald's actions, but good luck on advising people to not attened any game where alcohol is sold.
The vast majority of people who go out, whether to a game, to a bar, etc ... drive home safely. They know their limits and control their actions.
Posted by Monty | July 5, 2007 1:53 PM
Posted on July 5, 2007 13:53
A beer and wine license should be more than adequate for any of the events held at Tsongas; as for Mr. MacDonald, I give hime some credit for at least pulling off of the roadway and not endangering anyone else.
Posted by KSM | July 8, 2007 10:40 AM
Posted on July 8, 2007 10:40