The long dry days at Gopher football games may soon to quenched.
The Minnesota Legislature overwhelmingly approved letting University of Minnesota football fans drink beer at games. Now Gov. Mark Dayton will decide whether the beer should flow at the TCF Bank stadium. UPDATE: Dayton's spokeswoman said he will sign the bill.
"It's nice to finally bring some resolution to it," said Rep. Joe Atkins, an Inver Grove Heights DFLer and chief sponsor of the beer at the Bank idea.
Alcohol has been banned at the stadium because lawmakers objected to the University's plan to only allow drinking in the arena's expensive suites. With a cry of beer for one, beer for all, the Legislature put the kibosh on any alcohol in response.
But the new plan, a compromise that passed the House Monday on a 115-13 vote and the Senate 55-3 last week, allows beer for all in special tents during college football games through half-time.
"Everybody should be able to partake in an adult beverage," said supporter Rep. Leon Lille, DFL-North St. Paul. "Hopefully as [Gopher football coach Jerry] Kill is building up a wonderful new team, eventually we won't need alcohol at the stadium, perhaps."
University of Minnesota spokesman Jeff Falk said the U supports "this legislative fix."
"Ultimately, however, the Board of Regents will examine any law changes and determine how alcohol sales would be managed at TCF Bank Stadium," Falk said.
