HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (Dec. 20, 2005) -- Alcohol won't be sold during the Monday Night Football game between the Jets and Patriots at the Meadowlands in an attempt to quell rowdy fan behavior.
The ban comes after nine fans were arrested during the Jets-Saints game Nov. 27. One man was charged with stabbing two fans in a restroom, and a state trooper broke his leg while trying to eject a fan who reportedly threw a beer bottle.
Jets spokesman Ron Colangelo said the ban was put in place to protect fans. The Jets and New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority made the joint decision.
"It's for precautionary reasons, to provide for the safety and comfort of our fans," Colangelo said.
Colangelo said alcohol will be available at the Jets' season finale Jan. 1 against Buffalo, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. ET.
Earlier this year, NJSEA president George Zoffinger pledged to deal with the problem of drunk fans.
