For a true hockey experience in St. Cloud, have a drink

Your long nightmare is almost over, St. Cloud. It appears that you’ll be able to drink at St. Cloud State University hockey games.

The university sold alcohol at two games last season to test the idea and the Legislature passed a bill last session making it possible someday to even expand sales of alcohol to the parking lots and the nearby football stadium.

Under previous state college rules, games with sales of beer had to be held 30 days apart.

There was only one dissenter among the seven St. Cloud City Council members who voted on the sales on Monday. Jeff Johnson said he was concerned about vandalism in the neighborhood.

But this isn’t about money, Jesse Cashman, assistant vice president of safety and risk management at St. Cloud State University, tells the St. Cloud Times.

“It’s to improve the fan experience,” he said.