To the apparent surprise of the Minnesota football community, prohibiting alcohol sales in their new stadium somehow hasn't put a stop to college students drinking themselves into oblivion on game days. We know. We're as shocked as you are.

The Gophers aren't alone in this plight. But they are deploying a new approach to deter repeat offenders while keeping the student section packed -- Breathalyzer tests at the gate:

Modeled after a program at the University of Wisconsin, Check BAC (pronounced check back) allows student season-ticket holders who are ejected from a game for intoxication offenses to attend future games by submitting to blood alcohol testing. Students under 21 must be alcohol-free; those 21 or older cannot exceed a BAC of 0.08.
[...]
"If you want to go to a game again, you have to show us you're sober next time," said Sharon Dzik, the director of the university’s student conduct office.

While less cunningly named than Wisconsin's "Show and Blow" initiative, Minnesota officials do seem pleased with the program's progress, and we applaud the university for skirting more heavy-handed disciplinary measures -- especially when you recall that this is the school that made headlines for hosting an ill-fated bathroom tryst between a pair of drunk patrons during last November's finale at the Metrodome. We do wonder, though, how many students will take entering the stadium stone cold sober as a challenge to get completely plastered by halftime by more clandestine means.

For those who do, we may have spotted an incentive: Being diverted to the breathalyzer line actually sounds like a great way to avoid standing in the longer queues to enter the regular gates -- get thrown out late in the fourth quarter this week, and get your own special entrance next week! Quick puff, no waiting! Sign up today!*

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* Dr. Saturday reminds you to please binge drink responsibly.
Hat tip: Blutarsky. Holly welcomes your adulation and veiled threats at nastinchka-at-yahoo, etc.