Washington Announces Fan Experience Changes For Football Gamedays; Beer & Wine To Be Sold Throughout Husky Stadium

SEATTLE – University of Washington athletic department officials have announced fan experience changes for Husky football games, including the sale of beer and wine throughout Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Additionally, a no re-entry policy will be implemented and the UW will continue with its clear bag policy. UW has sold beer and wine at baseball and softball since 2018 and at Husky hoops games since 2019. 
 
"The introduction of beer and wine throughout Husky Stadium was part of our long-term plan to introduce alcohol sales throughout several of our venues," said Director of Athletics, Jen Cohen. "We have consistently heard feedback from our fans that this amenity would benefit the fan experience on gameday and we have carefully monitored the successful rollouts for our diamond sports and at basketball games. Many of our peer institutions in the Pac-12 have already introduced beer and wine inside their respective football stadiums and we are excited to provide this same opportunity for our fans this fall." 
 
The UW has collected data from peer institutions which indicated that making beer and wine available for purchase in general seating areas decreased alcohol-related incidents within the venue. Washington has previously sold beer and wine in premium seating areas, as well as designated beer gardens. Beer and wine will not be permitted in any of the Dawg Pack sections. In an effort to provide the safest experience for spectators, student-athletes and staff, Husky Stadium will join all other UW ticketed venues with its no re-entry and clear bag policies. 
 
ADDITIONAL GAMEDAY UPDATES
 
Mobile Tickets
This season, tickets will be fully digital, accessed through your mobile device, to provide the safest and most convenient experience for Husky Nation. That means all tickets must be downloaded to a mobile device to gain entry to Husky Athletics events. To avoid any issues on game day, please download your ticket before arriving to campus. As they have in the past, parking passes will continue to arrive via the mail for fans.
 
Instructions and tutorial videos can be found here. Fans having issues with downloading their mobile tickets should contact the Husky Ticket Office at: (206) 543-2200 or tickets@uw.edu
 
Cashless Transactions
Following several other stadiums and event centers that have seen efficiency with a cashless model, Husky Stadium will be moving to card-only transactions at concessions and the Ticket Office. Doing so will help reduce wait times and get you back to your seats faster. Additionally, parking will be cashless and fans will need to use the Pay-By-Phone App to purchase parking in select parking lots on central and west campus. The water taxi in Husky Harbor will also be going cashless. 
 
The Zone
Opening three hours before kickoff, The Zone is the pregame destination to meet up with friends and family. Featuring music, food trucks, interactive photo booth opportunities, plus the team's "Dawg Walk" entrance to Husky Stadium, The Zone is a can't-miss attraction. Tickets for The Zone will be made available for purchase in the coming days. The Zone is part of Husky Stadium and requires a ticket for entry, and the no re-entry policy applies to this area as well.  
 
Game Themes
Additionally, the UW announced its game themes for the upcoming seven-game home slate. Full details can be found below.
 
September 4 vs. Montana: THE RETURN
A celebration of THE RETURN of the GREATEST FANS to the Greatest Setting in College Football – And all those who have made it possible.
 
September 18 vs. Arkansas State: Band Day & Seattle Music Heritage Day
A celebration of Seattle's rich music scene, highlighted by pregame performances in the Zone and the traditional halftime show featuring more than 3,000 local high school students performing with the Husky Marching Band.
 
September 25 vs. California: Cheer Day
Adding extra pageantry to the Huskies' Pac-12 opener will be traditional Cheer Day festivities, including performances by the adorable 'Pup Squad' and a halftime show with more than 1,000 local high school cheer athletes. 
 
October 16 vs. UCLA: Homecoming
Always a special weekend at UW, Homecoming in 2021 will be especially nostalgia-filled, with a unique 'throwback' to Husky Legends of the past, while also celebrating the new class of Husky Hall of Fame inductees.
 
November 6 vs. Oregon: The Oregon Game
Huskies vs. Ducks. Need we say more?
 
November 13 vs. Arizona State: Hometown Heroes
A 'Salute to Service', recognizing our Veterans and service men and women, and their contributions to our country, state and local communities.  
 
November 26 vs. Washington State: Boeing Apple Cup & Senior Day
After a one-year hiatus, the annual season-ending rivalry game returns, along with a celebration of UW's senior class. Dawgs vs. Cougs – a Washington Tradition.
 
As a reminder, UW Athletics last week announced several fan engagement opportunities for the month of August. More information can be found here.