Steve Tucker and Charlie Stuart nursed beers near the bar at the north end of Spartan Stadium's expansive club level Saturday morning.
Only a few moments earlier, the two 1987 graduates had stepped off the elevator onto the 18,500-square-foot fourth floor of the new stadium addition.
"Without fail, everyone I've brought up here is blown away," Tucker said. "It absolutely surpassed my expectations."
Tucker's praise for the facilities was fairly typical of those in attendance Saturday — a group that has given the club service high marks and devoured the complimentary buffet. But unlike Tucker and Stuart, many of those premium ticket holders haven't taken advantage of the opportunity to buy a glass of beer or wine.
The "indoor tailgate" that MSU officials considered a reason to allow alcohol in the stadium tower has yet to materialize.
About 500 people were expected to fill the club by game time, and less than an hour before kickoff, scattered groups of patrons milled around the buffet line, sat in leather armchairs or peered out at the field from behind the glass.
Saturday was the earliest Tucker had arrived to a game yet — he said in previous weeks he hadn't made it to the club until about 15 minutes before kickoff.
Tucker said he still tailgates in outdoor lots, and plans to continue doing so, before coming to the game.
Martin Jarmond, assistant director of development for intercollegiate athletics with University Development, said he expects more people will take advantage of the indoor club once the weather gets colder.
Beer and wine sales, which are conducted at bars on the club and suite levels and cease at kickoff, are "fairly slow," said Chuck Gagliano, assistant vice president for Housing and Food Services.
"It's not a big mover," Gagliano said. "If we're breaking even, that would probably be pretty good."
The bartenders, some of whom are students, went through a four-hour training session put on by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.
"We don't get much business, but the tips are better," said telecommunication, information studies and media senior Robert Miller, who also works events at the Kellogg Center. He added that he prefers the club environment.
Tucker and Stuart said being able to have a drink was nice — a "cherry on top," Stuart said — but it wasn't an essential part of the experience.
A number of patrons said they wouldn't miss the alcohol if it weren't served.
"I don't know that it would be a big detraction," said Bob Rayl, another club ticket holder and a 1993 graduate. "Most people are here for Spartan football."
Jerry Sutton, who rents one of the 12-seat suites, said he and his wife decided not to serve alcohol in their suite.
"To me, it doesn't add much," Sutton said. "We enjoy the game without having the beer."
Sutton, who invites clients and family to the suite, said he has enjoyed the opportunity to visit with his guests during the game.
"It becomes more than just watching the game," he said. "It's different up here, but you can hear the crowd noise. I still feel like I'm a part of the game.
"The only thing that hasn't been positive is the losses."
Bob Darrow can be reached at darrowro@msu.edu.
