Santa Clara considers limiting alcohol at Levi's Stadium

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ByAlan Wang KGO logo
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Santa Clara considers limiting alcohol at Levi's Stadium
The fight outside of Levi's Stadium last week has Santa Clara City Council members asking what can be done to curb the violence.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (KGO) -- The fight outside of Levi's Stadium last week has Santa Clara City Council members asking what can be done to curb the violence.

It's believed the fight was fueled by alcohol and that has some calling for more restrictions on the sale of alcohol by halftime.

Currently, alcohol sales stop at the end of the third quarter. There's also talk of curbing tailgate parties where fans begin partying as early as 7 a.m.

There have been 24 assaults since the 49ers began playing at Levi's Stadium, including one last year that left one man with a severe brain injury.

Santa Clara Police Chief Michael Sellers says restricting alcohol is not the answer for problems caused by just a few people. He suggests revoking an unruly fan's stadium builder's license, also known as a SBL. That means you could lose the rights to purchase season tickets.

"If you are an SBL holder and you are selling your ticket to somebody else, I believe those folks should be held responsible," said Sellers.

No action was taken at the council meeting. The discussion on possible alcohol sales restrictions is just beginning, but the outcome could depend on the behavior of 49er fans at future games.