Nevermind. Beer NOT returning to the Coliseum.

An earlier report that a beer garden would be available for ticket holders during the USC-Washington homecoming game Saturday was incorrect.

It was open for the last two home games, but that was a mistake. A Coliseum representative  confirmed that security wasn't supposed to allow people inside while the game was being played. It was only supposed to be open before kickoff and possibly after the conclusion of the game. Whoops.

So now, instead of allowing alcohol to be dispensed in a profitable way with security who can check IDs and bartenders to cut off the intoxicated, a good number of fans can be expected to continue binge drink and sneaking in alcohol. I am not condoning that activity, just predicting the obvious.

I'm also questioning the business acumen of anybody who thinks fans will pay $7 for a beer before the game while adjacent tailgates have a much better selection that costs, on average, less than $1 per drink.

Presumably, beer and wine will still be available during the game to VIPs in designated areas near the press box and peristyle. That practice never stopped after alcohol sales were banned in 2005. Those who find $7 beer overpriced are cut off, but those who are well connected get an open bar.

-- Adam Rose

Original post:

In heaven there is no beer,
That's why we drink it here.
And when we're all gone from here,
Our friends will be drinking all our beer!

The words from the classic drinking song ring true for USC fans who consider the Coliseum a slice of football heaven.

USC banned alcohol sales inside the Coliseum gates in 2005, which may have sobered up some people but, at least in the eyes of this observer, led to a lot of pregame binge drinking and increased sales of barnoculars. It also seemed a little hypocritical that certain VIP areas continued pouring beer and wine.

For the more civilized drinkers, if you can consider Miller Lite civilized, there's now an option. A beer garden has been open for the last two USC home games on the west end of the Coliseum. Tucked behind a large concession building called the West End Grill, the Alumni Port serves up $7 drafts and $8 glasses of wine. Yes, you can walk in during the game and still get back to your seat. Alcohol isn't allowed outside of the designated area, but there are several flat screen TVs so you can enjoy the game and your suds.

If you go, remember to bring your ID and cash. The lines are already long, and as word leaks out it'll get only worse. But it's beer.

This may be a clever loophole to get around the existing policy (since it's technically outside of the gates of the Coliseum), but the beer garden is supposed to be open for the homecoming game Saturday against Washington. It's hard to imagine they aren't making a killing with this thing. Frankly, they need more taps. And an ATM. Regardless, if you want this to continue, stay on your best behavior and tip your server!

-- Adam Rose

UPDATE: The area is open to the general public before and after the game, but during the game it's open only to ticket holders. Sorry, students ... you don't count as ticket holders. But I'm sure you'll be innovative.