Can We Assess Blood Alcohol Levels of Attendees Leaving Professional Sporting Events?

Abstract

We found that it is feasible to assess BAC levels of attendees at professional sporting events. Our findings suggest that a significant number of attendees at professional sporting events may have elevated BAC levels, particularly young adults and those who participated in tailgating activities. Further research using a representative sample is warranted to confirm the findings from this preliminary study.

Strategies for managing alcohol at large events in New Zealand

“…Bar and security staff should be selected and properly trained to reduce the risk of irresponsible alcohol service and potential violence (Apsler & Harding, 1991;Erickson et al, 2011). They should all be fully MANAGING ALCOHOL AT LARGE EVENTS aware of the agreed number of serves per person, the signs of intoxication, the need for age identification checks and the law on intoxication and minors.…”

“…The close association between alcohol and sport is one of the most commonly raised concerns among those addressing alcohol consumption and young people (Sivyer, 1990). The potential for alcohol-related problems such as assaults, vandalism and other injuries at professional sports stadiums is high given that alcohol sales and consumption are often focal points at professional sporting events (Erickson, Toomey, Lenk, Kilian, & Fabian, 2011). Ineffective alcohol management, particularly irresponsible serving, is often accompanied by high-risk behaviours and can lead to a variety of problems (Department of Tourism, Sport and Racing, 1999).…”

Stadium Alcohol Management: A Best Practices Approach

“…These findings were also consistent with the results described in a USA Today article reporting 84% of fans attending tailgate functions before four Virginia Tech University football games consumed alcohol, and 46% of those fans had a BAC over 0.08 (Wieberg, 2005). Erickson et al (2011) suggest that tailgating and serving practices within professional sporting events may be contributing to a significant number of attendees having elevated BAC levels which could contribute to greater levels of alcohol-related problems during and following sporting events.…”

“…Previous studies have also identified an increase in violence and criminal activity relating to alcohol consumption at sporting events (Erickson, Toomey, Lenk, et al, 2011;Lenk, Toomey, & Erickson, 2009;Menaker and Chaney, 2014;Merlo, Hong, & Cotter, 2010). According to Lenk, Toomey, and Erickson (2009), tailgating and serving practices at sporting events may be contributing to a significant number of attendees having elevated Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) levels; this ultimately contributes to problems during and following sporting events.…”

“…This paper will document the problems associated with alcohol consumption at sporting events, review current alcohol policies and barriers to the implementation of stricter policies, and conclude with research-based suggestions for best practices in stadium alcohol management relative to: policy and training, sales and marketing, tailgating, and detection and enforcement. Erickson et al (2011) measured blood alcohol content (BAC) with a Breathalyzer instrument at thirteen Major League Baseball (MLB) games and three National Football League (NFL) games. The study included nearly 400 fans that were tested when exiting the stadium.…”