NASHVILLE – The state House on Thursday gave final approval to legislation allowing alcohol sales at most state public college and university sports venues, including the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s McKenzie Arena.
Representatives voted 70-21 for the measure, which had already passed through the Senate. It now moves on to Gov. Bill Lee for his consideration.
UTC officials say they’re interested in the ability to sell alcohol at McKenzie, the Mocs’ basketball venue, during entertainment events, including concerts.
House Republican Caucus Chairman Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, said he and Sen. Becky Duncan Massey, R-Knoxville, brought the bill in response to Knoxville officials who believe the change would help UT-Knoxville’s Neyland Stadium and Thompson-Boling Arena lure major entertainment acts in a city that has no other large venues.
Sexton noted the Southeastern Conference athletic association now bars alcohol sales to general admission attendees of football and basketball games. But a number of other college conferences do allow alcohol sales at games.