Bill allowing food in stadiums dies in House

PHOENIX - The Arizona House has rejected a bill that would have required publicly-funded stadiums, including Arizona Stadium, to let fans bring in their own food and drinks.

The bill struck out on a 25-15 vote Wednesday.

The measure would have applied to sports venues seating more than 15,000 people - including the America West Arena and Bank One Ballpark in Phoenix and stadiums at Arizona State University and the University of Arizona.

The UA had vowed to try to limit the effects of the legislation had it become law.

The UA has a "no container" policy that precludes ticket holders from bringing their own food and drink in an effort to keep alcohol out of Arizona Stadium.

University officials said the bill would have diminished their ability to control alcohol consumption at sporting events, even though the bill would have prohibited glass containers and alcohol.

House Bill 2057 was prompted by a plan by the Arizona Diamondbacks to ban outside food and drinks from the Bank One Ballpark, which was built using proceeds of a half-cent Maricopa County sales tax. The Diamondbacks softened the rule last year to allow fans to bring in most kinds of food, water and fruit juice.

Opponents of the plan said it would be unworkable and create long lines to get into stadiums as fans wait for their coolers to be checked.

"I think this will open up a can of worms that we don't want to open up," said Rep. Jake Flake, R-Snowflake.