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Finley Stadium expanding alcohol sales at UTC games

Fans cheer for U.S. Women's National Soccer Team goalkeeper Hope Solo as she warms up before their match against Costa Rica at Finley Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The team is playing in Chattanooga as part of its Women's World Cup victory tour.
Fans cheer for U.S. Women's National Soccer Team goalkeeper Hope Solo as she warms up before their match against Costa Rica at Finley Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The team is playing in Chattanooga as part of its Women's World Cup victory tour. Fans cheer for U.S. Women's National Soccer Team goalkeeper Hope Solo as she warms up before their match against Costa Rica at Finley Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The team is playing in Chattanooga as part of its Women's World Cup victory tour.

By David Paschall 3 min read

Drinking beer at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga home football games has always been relegated to an indoor activity.

Until now.

Starting with the 2016 season, alcohol will be sold in Finley’s West Plaza area, which overlooks the field and is across the street from the First Tennessee Pavilion. Alcohol already is available in the Stadium Club room and in the 20,668-seat facility’s luxury suites.

Since becoming Finley Stadium’s executive director in January 2014, Paul Smith has been seeking ways to enhance alcohol sales at UTC games and having the school’s support as well.

“The Stadium Club room has been selling beer for a long time, so people could go in there and have a beverage, but they had to stay in there,” Smith said. “Fans will now be able to see, hear and feel the atmosphere of college football and enjoy a beer at the same time, as opposed to being in a room with eight TVs.”