Why Alcohol At Wicomico County Civic Center

Yesterday we published a story announcing the sale of alcohol at the Civic Center. There were quite a few comments that just weren't accurate so I'm taking this opportunity to update the public on factual information to settle these rumors.

I'll start with this. When you compare the Civic Center to the Shorebirds Stadium, the Shorebirds have about 5,000 seats. The Civic Center has the same but can expand to almost 6,500 seats in all. As you know, the Shorebirds are a public venue just like the Civic Center.

Some commenters implied that people go to these events and get drunk. Well, if you want to go to a ball game and spend some $8.00 for a beer and you buy enough to get drunk, well, you're just plain stupid. I'm not saying it doesn't happen but come on people, that's just ridiculous. They are very few and far between.

When we look at a Civic Center event like a concert, most are not going to get up from their seats during the concert and get a beer. They paid good money to see a show and they are going to watch that show. 

Mind you, there are intermissions but the most you'll be able to purchase at one time is two beers. They will cut off all liquor sales at the last intermission, (so you know). ALL employees are currently going through state sponsored classes and will be on their toes. There will be a Family section at the Civic Center where no alcohol will be allowed. 

As for different acts demanding the sale of alcohol in order for them to consider coming here, it's the promoters that push such demands. All of these acts/events have sponsors, (like Jack Danniel's, Budweiser, for examples). Some people are under the impression that these acts get on a plane or bus and travel to let's say the Civic Center just to hold a concert/event. That's not necessarily true. What happens is, the promoters line up different venues throughout each region. You'd be amazed at how many places like the Civic Center there are within a 4 hour radius for these promoters to consider. The ones that sell alcohol are the ones that get chosen FIRST because they can get a percentage of the alcohol sales as part of their contract agreement. Hence why the Civic Center doesn't get the majority of big acts/events that they could.


Then there's the franchise deals, a lot like the Shorebirds as an example. There's semi pro hockey teams and yes, the Civic Center can hold enough people for a minor league team to consider it but they will only do so if alcohol is part of the package. There's indoor football teams and the list goes on and on. 

Having alcohol sales at the Civic Center can deliver massive interest and as I have stated in the past, I support this opportunity. Some came on here saying they'd never vote for Culver again. Well, that's your choice but I couldn't let this topic go without educating you as to WHY he and his team chose to go this route. Bob and I may not agree on some things but when he, (or anyone else) is right, they're right. 

This is a positive step to bring more quality entertainment packages not only to the Civic Center but it will also allow YOU an opportunity to enjoy a drink, just as you might at a Shorebirds game. It also creates a massive relief on taxpayers as the Civic Center has spent more years in the red and not in the black. 

I can also tell you that one of the big advantages we have here at the Civic Center that most others do not offer is free parking. Promoters, (if you have alcohol sales) will side with a location where people have that much more money to spend. People will buy more tee shirts, CD's and yes even a drink if you have free parking. 

I hope this helps you to better understand why they chose to bring alcohol sales to the Civic Center. As taxpayers and voters, you chose Culver to deliver tax relief and JOBS. in this case he is delivering BOTH.