Ole Miss may have taken their time but the school has finally made its decision on alcohol sales for the coming season.

The university announced on Friday that alcohol will be sold in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium starting Oct. 19 during the program’s home game against Texas A&M.

“The university has been deliberate in our approach to making this change,” Ole Miss Interim Chancellor Larry Sparks said via a release. “We have assessed the relevant issues and focused on an implementation timetable that works best for our university. Maintaining the safety of our patrons and participants and maintaining an atmosphere suitable for families is of utmost importance. We appreciate the support and patience of our fans as we implement this change.”

“This is another opportunity to enhance what is already one of the premier game days in college football,” interim athletics director Keith Carter added in the statement. “I want to thank Chancellor Sparks and the rest of our university administration for their leadership and support during this process. We expect this decision to help reduce incidents associated with overconsumption on gamedays. The athletics department will work hand-in-hand with other campus officials and within the guidelines of the SEC to ensure a safe and responsible environment for all fans.”

“We expect in-stadium sales to reduce the temptation for binge drinking during pregame or sneaking in alcoholic beverages,” said Ray Hawkins, chief of the University Police Department. “This sales plan should lead to more responsible consumption and reduce negative behavior in the stands.”

You may be wondering why Ole Miss has decided to sell alcohol Oct. 19 but not for the first four home games of the season. Here is what Ole Miss has released to answer that question:

We need to be deliberate in making this change and assess all relevant issues, including security needs, staffing implications, operational considerations, policy revisions and education of our student body and our fan base. Rather than implementing this quickly, we are focused on getting it right and on a timetable that is right for Ole Miss.

Ole Miss Athletics Alcohol Sales Policy

• All guests must be 21 years of age to purchase alcoholic beverages. A valid ID is required for purchase.

• A limit of two beers may be purchased at one time per legal ID.

• Sales will begin when the venue gates/doors open (two hours prior to kickoff for football).

• Per SEC requirements, sales will end when the game clock has expired at the conclusion of the third quarter.

• A security officer or Centerplate staff member will begin to close the line with three minutes remaining in the third quarter, and only the guests that were already standing in line will be able to purchase beer.