Knoxville Lawmakers Push for Liquor Sales at New Stadium

Categories: Events/What's HappeningNewsSports

Fans at Knoxville Baseball Stadium enjoying drinks during a game

News Summary

Knoxville is considering changes to alcohol laws to allow liquor sales at its new downtown baseball stadium. The proposed bill, introduced by local lawmakers, aims to amend outdated regulations restricting liquor sales in areas with lower populations. This change could enhance the game day experience for fans and attract larger events, contributing to the local economy. Discussions on the bill are set for next week, with the community eager for updates.

Knoxville Eyes Boozy Baseball Games as Lawmakers Push for Liquor Sales at New Stadium

In a move that could shake up the local sporting scene, Knoxville lawmakers are fast-tracking a bill to allow liquor sales at the city’s new downtown stadium, just in time for the first baseball game of the season! This proposed change is all about making game days a lot more spirited.

The Details of the Bill

Senator Becky Duncan-Massey, representing Knoxville, took the initiative and introduced Senate Bill SB 0320 on January 27. Over in the House, Representative Justin Lafferty is the proud sponsor of the house version of this exciting proposal.

Currently, state regulations restrict liquor-by-the-drink licenses for sports authority facilities in counties with populations falling below 500,000, based on data from the 1990 census. At that time, Knox County had a population of just 335,749, which is why they’ve been missing out on the opportunity for more lively sporting events with a touch of class.

A Population Update

Thanks to the 2020 census, we now know that Knox County’s population has soared to about 478,966. The proposed amendment to the bill is simple: it seeks to raise the population benchmark to over 350,000. If this bill finds its way through the legislative hoops and gets approved, Knoxville could finally join the ranks of other metropolitan areas like Memphis, Nashville, and Jackson, who all enjoy broader liquor licensing provisions at their sports venues.

Under the current system, alcohol sales at the new stadium are restricted to private clubs and suites. This new legislation, however, would extend alcohol sales more broadly during games, which many fans have been eagerly awaiting.

Impact on the Region

The push for this change is likely to stretch beyond just Knoxville. The legislation would also affect a planned new baseball stadium in the Chattanooga area, a move that should be welcomed by both fans and city officials alike.

Interestingly, Knox County isn’t classified as a dry county, yet residents face limitations on alcohol sales in unincorporated areas. While beer sales are allowed, liquor sales are only permitted within city limits, causing a bit of confusion and frustration among locals who are eager to elevate their drinking options on game day.

The Roots of Regulation

The reason for these outdated regulations can be traced back to historical laws from the era of Prohibition, and even today, many counties in Tennessee impose strict alcohol guidelines. Some counties remain completely dry, and established liquor retailers and regulatory agencies often push back against amendments to liquor laws, primarily due to enforcement concerns.

Exciting Events Ahead

Morgan Wallen concerts at Neyland Stadium, expected to draw around 80,000 attendees, highlight the stringent rules surrounding alcohol sales and parking regulations for large events. While these concerts will have strict entry procedures and a clear bag policy, concert-goers will be able to purchase alcohol, with prices generally ranging from $10 to $16 for beer. Makes it easier for fans to enjoy and stay refreshed during the event!

This legislation is set to be discussed in legislative committees next week. The atmosphere is buzzing with the prospect of cheers ringing out not just for home runs but also for clinking glasses filled with good-natured spirits. Who doesn’t love the idea of relaxing with a cold drink while enjoying a thrilling baseball game?

What’s Next?

As we await the discussions, it’s clear that the excitement is building among fans and residents. If all goes well, Knoxville is poised to transform its sporting experiences and add a little more fun to future games. Let’s keep our eyes peeled for the updates on this potentially game-changing legislation!