PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Vendors will not sell beer in the stands during the second half of the AFC Championship game, but the decision has nothing to do with a multimillion dollar jury award earlier this week related to beer sales at Giants Stadium, field managers said.

"We do adjustments periodically, like for Monday night games, just to keep control," said Jimmy Sacco, executive director of stadium management at Heinz Field. "It's something we're doing this week ... just to keep a safe environment."

Those attending the game can still buy beer until the end of the third quarter, but they must do so at concession stands away from the seating areas and carry it back. League rules require that beer sales stop by the end of the third quarter at every NFL stadium.

The announcement comes just days after a jury in New Jersey ruled that Philadelphia-based Aramark Corp., should pay more than $100 million to the family of a girl paralyzed from the neck down in a 1999 accident involving an intoxicated fan leaving a game at Giants Stadium.

Aramark, which is also the vendor at Heinz Field, said it would appeal the jury ruling.

Aramark and NFL officials also said shortened hours for beer sales in the stands at Heinz Field had nothing to do with the jury award.

The parking lots outside of Heinz Field open five hours before game time and tailgating is allowed. Security will be monitoring the lots before the game for excess drinking, Sacco said.

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Information from: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, http://www.post-gazette.com

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