Keg stand

A keg stand is a drinking activity where the participant does a handstand on a keg of beer and attempts to drink as much as possible at once or to drink for as long as possible. Other people will help hold up the drinker's legs, and will hold the keg tap in the stander's mouth, as they will have both hands occupied with the handstand.^[1][2][3][4]

A properly executed keg stand in Raleigh, North Carolina in 2012.

Origin

The origin of the keg stand is unclear, but it is a staple in American college culture, especially in fraternities and jamborees. They are frequently featured in popular media within fraternity or sorority events.

Potential Hazards

Naturally, keg stands exhibit the same risks as performing a regular handstand, which may increase in level of harm due to the alcoholic side effects of the beer itself.

Drinking a large amount of beer, especially during a single sitting may cause alcohol poisoning or overdose. Side effects include dizziness, nausea, increased blood alcohol concentration, and potentially permanent damage to the brain, liver, and other organs.^[5]

In September of 2002, Seth Korona, a student at Indiana University, was killed after bonking his head while performing a keg stand.^[6] His friends, believing he was hungover, ignored him until he was transported to the hospital and died shortly after.

References

1. Fuller, Jamie (2014-09-21). "Mary Landrieu wants your vote—and will help you keg-stand in order to get it". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2014-12-21.
2. "Keg Stand". Student Drinking Games.com. Retrieved 2013-08-22.
3. "Keg Stand Drinking Game Rules". Drinking Game Zone. Retrieved 2013-08-22.
4. "Keg Stand". Bar None Drinks. Retrieved 2013-08-22.
5. "Understanding the Dangers of Alcohol Overdose". National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Retrieved 2024-08-21.
6. "One year later: Family, friends of Seth Korona feel void left by tragic death". Indiana Daily Student News. Retrieved 2024-08-21.