Colorado State has caught on and is listening to thirsty Rams fans at Moby Arena.
For the upcoming 2023-24 seasons, Moby Arena’s alcohol sales have been expanded outside of the FNBO Loft to include all concession stands according to Joe Parker’s Updates from Ram Country newsletter last week.
“Next time you head into Moby Arena for a game like the White Out volleyball match – provided you’re of legal drinking age – you will be able to purchase beer or wine from all concession stands in the arena and take it back to your seat with you!” Parker explained. “As we’ve added premium offerings in the form of the FNBO Loft and operationalized that space, it has become apparent that we needed to expand the offerings to the rest of the venue. This fall and winter, I’m happy to say we have been able to do so.
“The FNBO Loft will continue to have the broadest menu selection, but all concession stands will have beer and wine available to purchase.”
This is fantastic news for fans who were wondering for years why Moby Arena didn’t sell alcohol while Canvas Stadium did. Both are on-campus, so it wasn’t that holdup. About two-and-a-half years ago, in Jan. 2021, Colorado State partnered with First National Bank of Omaha to bring fans the FNBO Loft.
Formerly an expanded student seating section on the south end of Moby Arena, the seats were removed to leave a large, open area where beer carts were brought in. Unfortunately for fans wanting to enjoy a cold one during a game, they weren’t allowed to then take their beer or wine back to their seats. That forced fans to watch the game via the jumbotron hanging above the court due to students’ blocking the view when they stood up to cheer.
During the 2021-22 season, when I wasn’t covering CSU sports, I attended the men’s basketball first regular season game against Oral Roberts with a buddy. And because we both wanted to enjoy a few beers during the game, we were stuck in the Loft. It was difficult to see the action on the court and I actually tweeted to Parker about putting in a riser so fans could see over the students. But, he explained it was too expensive.
My man, the budget required to elevate the loft would be high 6-to-7 figures. It was developed to provide a place to grab a beer, enjoy the company of others and remain somewhat connected to the court. Mission accomplished. 👊🍺🏀
— Joe Parker (@JoeParkerAD) November 10, 2021
The good news is, Rams fans won’t be corralled into the Loft like sheep anymore! So, no need for the riser, but fans can still stop by the Loft for the “broadest selection” of beverages, per Parker. And then, they can head back to their seats!
For more convenience, fans can purchase wine or beer at any of the many concession stands on the concourse inside Moby Arena.
While this may seem like a small upgrade, fans have been asking for this change for many years.
Fort Collins is known as the Nappa Valley of Beer for a reason; there are 29 breweries in town per Colorado Brewery List and it’s no secret that beer and watching sports go together like an alley-oop dunk.
The alcohol sales at all concession stands begin for the White Out home opener for Colorado State volleyball, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. MT and they’ll continue through women’s and men’s basketball seasons, too.
In recent years, Moby Arena was renovated with the Loft as well as the new video board, and before that the construction of the Bob Davis Hall was a welcomed addition. Last year, CSU athletics also unveiled the newly refreshed basketball court at Moby, too.
