x
Breaking News
More () »

Bill advances that could bring alcohol to East TN campus venues for concerts

Republican Senator Becky Duncan Massey of Knoxville introduced the bill this week that would allow alcohol at special events and concerts--but not games.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A bill that would allow alcohol sales at Neyland Stadium and Thompson-Boling Arena moved forward in Nashville Tuesday.

The Senate Ways and Means committee recommended the plan for passage Tuesday.

It's a topic that's long been discussed, especially when it comes to big events and concerts. 

Republican Senator Becky Duncan Massey of Knoxville introduced the bill in February that would allow alcohol at special events and concerts--but not games.

That's because of the SEC's strict no-alcohol policy. 

Annie's Bill Blog: What we're watching in the state legislature in 2018

Massey said she believes this would help Knoxville compete with other big cities to bring big names to town. 

"Bottom line is, it's kind of a fairness issue," Massey said. "We can't compete for those big venues like Kenny Chesney and big names because they depend a whole lot on the sales of concessions and obviously the alcohol is a part of that." 

Massey said alcohol sales could help boost tourism and economic drive in the area. 

Event groups that book concerts like AC Entertainment say they agree that alcohol could help raise Knoxville's profile. 

"There are a number of artists that don't want to play arenas or venues that don't serve alcohol," Ted Heinig of AC Entertainment said. "So that would put Thompson-Boling back on a level playing ground with other arenas in the region." 

Heinig said alcohol sales at venues is often safer, as people aren't sneaking in drinks or drinking excessively before an event. 

The University says Knoxville is the only one of the four major Tennessee cities that doesn't allow alcohol sales at its major venue. 

It also says if the bill passes, there would be a lot of consideration as to how, where and when the university would sell alcohol in those areas if the decision was made to do so. 

Before You Leave, Check This Out