Plenty of ballpark improvements to cover for today’s MLB Opening Day. We’ll begin with the debut of Craft & Draft, featuring local Boulevard beers, at Kauffman Stadium, home of the Kansas City Royals.
Craft & Draft focuses on the social experience of baseball while also upgrading the craft-beer experience at Kauffman Stadium. It’s located in the left-field corner of The K on the Loge Level, replacing the former .390 Bar and Grill.
“Our success last year on the field brought a whole new generation back to the Royals,” said Kevin Uhlich, Royals Senior Vice President-Business Operations. “Younger adult fans in particular have embraced the ballclub, and Craft & Draft is a great setting for them to have an evening out with their friends and enjoy a ballgame. The new space is open air with plenty of options for sitting and standing.”
The Royals and Aramark have partnered with Boulevard Brewery and Central States to provide a selection of 24 beers on tap and 50 bottled beers. In addition to Boulevard favorites, Unfiltered Wheat and Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale, an assortment of beers from Brewery Ommegang, Lagunitas Brewing Company, Mother’s Brewing Company, Santa Fe Brewing Company, Breckenridge Brewery and many others will also be available.
“We’re excited to be joining with the Royals and Central States in bringing more craft beers to Kauffman,” said Jeremy Ragonese, Director of Marketing for Boulevard Brewing Company. “The organization has demonstrated a clear commitment to creating a welcoming new space that will feature a wide assortment of specialty beers. It’s a big win for fans of Boulevard, craft beer and the team.”
According to a Royals press release, Craft & Draft will also offer a menu of gastropub fare with an emphasis on fresh and local ingredients. Ranging from bar snacks and crafted plates to sweet treats, the menu will feature items like charcuterie, pork belly steam buns and a Kobe beef handcrafted burger. The destination will also showcase Custom Crust, a quick-fire pizzeria that will allow fans the opportunity to customize their own pizza from a large selection of toppings.
Along with new food and beverage offerings, the destination has gone through a major redesign. The windows have been removed, offering an industrial-type atmosphere displaying various woods, metals, oils and concrete. Furniture has also been changed on tiered levels replaced with ipe (pronounced e-pay) wood, bar tops and free-standing chairs.
Craft & Draft will be open to all ticketed fans inside the stadium.