Southeast : State OKs Beer Sales at Pyramid Arena

State alcohol regulators have ruled in favor of Long Beach’s beer-drinking sports fans.

The state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control this week granted Cal State Long Beach officials permission to sell beer in the university’s new sports arena, the Pyramid.

Neighbors had fought the plan for nearly a year. At a hearing last month, four residents said it would draw drunk and rowdy fans onto their sidewalks after games.

State regulators included conditions on the beer-only permit to address some of the concerns. Among the restrictions, Pyramid workers may sell beer no later than eight minutes into the second half of sporting events. Also, beer may be purchased no more than two cups at a time, each no larger than 12 ounces.

The restrictions will be accompanied by heavy security inside and outside the Pyramid, said Gary Adams, general manager of 49er Shops, which will sell the beer.

The City Council has also stepped in by changing parking restrictions on streets near the sports arena. A recent city ordinance extends until 10 p.m. a one-hour parking limit on streets directly north of the Pyramid.