(KINGSTON, R.I. – October 8, 2009) – The University of Rhode Island announces an extension of its tailgating policy to the Thomas M. Ryan Center.
 
In conjunction with Global Spectrum, the management company of The Ryan Center, and Boston Culinary Group, beer and wine will be sold in the luxury suites that overlook the Meade Stadium football field and The Ryan Center basketball court. Beer and wine will also be available in The Ryan Center's Alumni Room.
 
“We are continuing to look at ways of maximizing external revenue as well as expanding upon the overall game day experience," said Thorr Bjorn, URI's director of athletics. "By extending the current tailgate policy to include selling beer and wine in our suites at The Ryan Center, as well as in the Alumni room for donor functions, we believe that we will be able to increase donor and sponsor interest and demand.”
 
This policy change will go into effect beginning with the Saturday, Oct. 10 home football game versus Towson, continuing through the 2009-10 men's and women's basketball seasons.
 
“The Ryan Center is pleased to be able to offer our clients this additional service for URI athletic events," Terry Butler, general manager for Global Spectrum at The Ryan Center. "We feel this will increase our suite sales and look forward to assisting new clients in the upcoming season.”
 
The football tailgating policies announced on Aug. 19 for the areas around Meade Stadium - the general public lots on Plains Road and the donor-based Ram and Ellery Pond lots - have not changed.
 
To entertain in style in the luxury suites for individual events, contact Eric Postemsky at 401.788.3080 or email him at groupsales@theryancenter.com.
 
To lease a suite, please contact Daryl Jasper at 401.874.4300 or email him at daryl_jasper@mail.uri.edu.
 

 
 
Contact:          Mike Laprey
                  University of Rhode Island
                  Sports Communications Office
                  Three Keaney Road, Suite One
                  401.874.2401
                  GoRhody.com