We’re not sure state laws will allow this across Minor League Baseball, but the Reading Fightin Phils (Class AA; Eastern League) are moving ahead with a sponsored ballpark vape lounge at FirstEnergy Stadium.
From the team:
While smoking has been prohibited inside FirstEnergy Stadium for several years, as per a City of Reading Ordinance, the Reading Fightin Phils have always felt it was important to provide smokers with a comfortable area to smoke. Because of this, the Fightins have had a comfortable smoking area outside the stadium for several years.
Recently, as vaporizers have become popular across the country, stadiums, including America’s Classic Ballpark, have tried to accommodate fans who enjoy vaporizers while respecting their need to not inhale tobacco smoke found in a smoking area.
Beginning with the current 2015 season, the Fightins have created the Vape Lounge presented by Sabor Vapors. The area, which has become a comfortable gathering spot for fans that enjoy vaping during games, is located near the previously existing smoking area, which is also sponsored by Sabor Vapors. The Vape Lounge is separate from the current smoking area and allows those in the lounge to avoid secondhand smoke. Throughout the season, the area will evolve as it has already added blue decorative lighting and plans to add Adirondack chairs.
The Vape Lounge presented by Sabor Vapors area is believed to be the first area in any baseball stadium specifically designated for fans to use vaporizers.
“The Vape Lounge presented by Sabor Vapors has been very successful since being installed prior to the start of the season,” said Fightins General Manager Scott Hunsicker. “It is often full of Fightins fans enjoying a break and meeting each other over a shared enjoyment of vaporizers. We look forward to a continued partnership with Sabor Vapors and hope to add some specific events for vaping in the near future.”
Sabor Vapors sponsorship of the previously existing smoking area also includes signage encouraging those that smoke nicotine cigarettes to quit smoking cigarettes and consider Sabor Vapors as an alternative.
“We are a tight family with busy lives like most in today’s world and we have always enjoyed the special moments we share at First Energy Stadium. It has been a dream come true to build a personal & business relationship with the Fightins,” said Amelia Rivera, owner of Sabor Vapors. “We are so very grateful for their support and understanding of the ever-changing times of the community around them to include us in this opportunity and to develop the oasis getaway of the first and only vape lounge in ballparks. We want to help inform, educate, and support those that struggle with the cigarette addiction and hope to build similar relationships with the Fightins fans while we are at the ballpark or store.”