Alcohol sales will be new to the lineup when Indianapolis hosts its 8th Final Four in 2021

First-time alcohol sales at this weekend's Final Four in Minneapolis means alcohol will be available at Lucas Oil Stadium when Indianapolis hosts the NCAA men's basketball championship in 2021.

College hoops fans will have the chance to raise a toast to victors at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis following the NCAA's pilot program of selling alcohol to attendees at the College World Series and the Women's College World Series.

"The NCAA had previously sold alcohol in premium seating for several years through our hospitality partners, but not to the general public," NCAA director of public relations Stacey Osburn wrote in an email to IndyStar.

Beers, ciders, hard seltzers and wines will be available during games played Saturday and Monday in Minneapolis, Food & Wine reported.

The NCAA Board of Governors voted in 2017 to allow the organization's divisions (I, II and III) to pursue alcohol sales policies.

Osburn said the pilot program at the Division I College World Series and the Women's College World Series was deemed a success.

"Data from those two events show that sales had either a positive or neutral impact on the fans’ experience and no detrimental effects on the experience of student-athletes participating in the events," Osburn said.

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Indianapolis is scheduled to host its eighth men's basketball Final Four in 2021 and its ninth in 2026.

Lucas Oil Stadium representatives referred questions about alcohol sales to the NCAA.

Centerplate, exclusive caterer of Lucas Oil Stadium, lists nine beers on its online menu for the stadium: Budweiser, Bud Light, Miller Lite, Coors Light, Heineken, Stella Artois, Sam Adams Boston Lager, Corona and Indianapolis-based Flat 12.

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Call IndyStar reporter David Lindquist at 317-444-6404. Follow him on Twitter: @317Lindquist.