Ohio State to serve wine and beer at stadium

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- An already elated fan base could become more cheerful this season as Ohio State announced it will sell beer and wine in its stadium.

Athletic Director Gene Smith announced the news Friday. The sales will take place in limited areas of Ohio Stadium.

Game attendees in Ohio Stadium's 81 suites and 2,700 club seats are included in the areas allowed to purchase alcohol, according to the Columbus Dispatch.

The Buckeyes kickoff its defense of its national championship Sept. 12 against Hawaii in Columbus. A total of 4,370 seats are in the alcohol allowed area.

Smith also said that the alcohol sales would be monitored to determine how it would be sold going forward.

"This decision was made in consultation and with input from appropriate stakeholders, including the Athletics Council," Smith told the Dayton Daily News. "The safety and well-being of our campus community is our first priority, and the university will carefully monitor and assess the pilot program throughout the season."