The Northwest Missouri State University Board of Regents has approved a new policy that allows legal age drinking in some locations before home football games.

The new policy now permits audience to consume alcohol at three parking lots and stadium suites and other locations on campus. Suit holders favoured the proposal and welcomed the board's decision.

John Jasinski, President of Northwest, said that the new policy was introduced to be on par with most other mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association stadiums that allow consumption of alcohol in suites.

The university does not have a license to sell or distribute alcohol so all alcoholic beverages will be provided by a third party vendor.

As the football stadium attracts a large number of fraternity and sorority members and students, security is the number one priority for the police personnel so as to avoid any alcohol related accidents.

Clarence Green, chief of university police reassured that educational sessions with the Greek organizations' council are planned on how to avoid aggravating alcohol-related issues.

Previously, spectators consumed alcohol concealed in plastic cups meant for hot/cold beverages and the police spent a lot of time checking the contents and a majority of fans, who are 40-year-olds, felt harassed.

Green said that the new policy will now help the police personnel to shift their focus to other important areas of the football stadium.

Northwest Missouri State University's state-of-the-art football and track and field facility was renamed the Bearcat Stadium in 2004.

It was earlier known as the Rickenbrode Stadium for 44 years in honour of long-time Northwest employee and Bearcat supporter, William Rickenbrode.

In 2007, the field facility was renovated to include synthetic turf and lights in order to host a variety of activities throughout the year.

The stadium also undertook major renovations in 2003, it increased seating capacity on the west side; introduced chair back and rail back seating and10 luxury suites; a spacious and functional press area was added along with a new scoreboard and video board.