Peanuts and Cracker Jack may be the historic accompaniments to a baseball game, but today’s fans are more likely to be consuming a beer than searching for a digital prize. No surprise beer is making ballpark news; here are some highlights for 2019.
We’re focusing here on new offerings for 2019. In recent years we’ve seen a growing number of breweries at the ballpark. The Sandlot Brewery, where Blue Moon (originally called Belly Slide Wit) was born, has been part of Coors Field since its opening. In 2017 we saw the opening of Terrapin Taproom and an adjacent microbrewery, the ATL Brew Lab, at SunTrust Park, featuring Chopsecutioner, an IPA aged over wood chips—remnants from the production of Mizuno bats. For the 2018 season, the New York Mets unveiled Mikkeller Brewing NYC, offering Henry Hops IPA and Say Hey Sally Pilsner.
No new breweries in 2019, but there are some notable new brews for this season, as well as some cool new beer-themed areas. Many of the craft beers we listed in our 2018 MLB beer roundup are still available as well.
Bullpen Session, Citizens Bank Park
It’s been a huge offseason for the Philadelphia Phillies, and upgrades to Citizens Bank Park have been a huge part of that offseason. Gone is McFadden’s; new is Pass and Stow, featuring an open-air beer garden, family-friendly sports pub, 44 TVs to follow the action, Foundry Pizza, and more.
Part of the Pass and Stow program: Goose Island at the Park, featuring a new brew, Bullpen Session. A collaboration between Goose Island, concessionaire Aramark and the Phillies, Bullpen Session is a New England style session IPA: a relatively low-alcohol (4.8% ABV). Developed and also sold at the Goose Island Brewhouse in Philadelphia, Bullpen Session is brewed with flaked oats and Azacca, El Dorado and Centennial hops. Of course, it’s hazy.
Though it’s not a new brew—in fact, it comes from America’s oldest operating brewery—Yuengling is making its mark on Citizens Bank Park with the partnership with an individual player, pitcher Aaron Nola. According to a Yuengling press release, partnership includes a variety of elements including personal appearances on behalf of the brand, fan meet & greets, special promotions to meet the Philly All Star, a chance to win a Yuengling home vending machine, social media sweepstakes and giveaways, local Philadelphia advertising and support of Nola’s 2019 local community efforts.
Goose Island, Guaranteed Rate Field
Goose Island began in Chicago, and now the home of the Chicago White Sox will have its own Goose Island in right field. The new Goose Island in the Guaranteed Rate Field right-field area will literally be an island, surrounded on all four sides with running water. Here’s a description of the space from the team:
“The Goose Island” transforms two outfield seating sections into a new space, featuring a variety of seating options. Rows will include field-level views, group party areas and individual seating as well as a fun, social space in a few standing-room rows near the outfield concourse. All areas of “The Island” will have in-seat service. A total of 326 seats will be available in the section.
The first few rows of “The Goose Island” will provide a modernized experience for fans with leather cushion seats complete with armrests and cup holders, device charging ports, television screens and shelves for storage. Seats for this area include in-seat service and $20 of loaded value with each ticket to be spent in-park on food, beverages or merchandise from the White Sox.
Philly and Chicago are not the only cities benefitting from a Goose Island connection: TBJ Special Brew, a Toronto Blue Jays/Goose Island collaboration is available exclusively at Rogers Centre.
Crawford Bock, Minute Maid Park
Named for Minute Maid Park’s Crawford Boxes (which run along Crawford Street; hence the name), the collaboration between Houston-based Karbach Brewing and the Houston Astros is a German-style bock: light on the alcohol (4.5% ABV) with a malty, sweet (only 15 IBUs) taste. A portion from every Crawford Bock sold will go to support the Astros Foundation, whose initiatives include youth baseball and softball, military support, childhood cancer awareness and efforts to reduce homelessness, according to information from the team.
Crawford Bock is sold in 12 pack and on draft at the ballpark. Bonus for those buying the canned version: they are decorated in an Astros rainbow-uniform design. Here’s our look at what’s new in Minute Maid Park for 2019.
Coors Light Silver Seats, T-Mobile Park
A promo planned to be extended to other ballparks this season and beyond, the Coors Light Silver Seats debuted this season at the home of the Seattle Mariners from a center-field perch. At first glance, these look like standard basement theater seats, there are a few twists. First, the seats featured high-powered cupholders called Coldr Side Tables, which cool beverages to 34 degrees Fahrenheit. Second, the seats aren’t for sale: fans enter a sweepstakes for a shot at winning the Silver Seats. Besides the seats for a game, winners will also receive a $100 Mariners gift card, authentic team merchandise and a Coors Light-branded YETI cooler. Read more about T-Mobile Park in 2019 here.
Swingin’ Friar Ale, Petco Park
This season will bring a milestone for the Padres, who are celebrating their 50th anniversary. To commemorate the anniversary, the Padres have teamed up with Ballast Point Brewing Company to introduce the Swingin’ Friar Ale. Named the Official Craft Beer of the San Diego Padres, Swinging’ Friar Ale is a 100% Simcoe hopped pale ale that will be available at Petco Park this season and other locations in the San Diego area. Packaging for the six pack prominently features a Swingin’ Friar logo, while incorporating a brown and yellow color scheme. Read more about Petco Park here.
One more addition to note: New Glarus Spotted Cow will be available at Miller Park, home of the Milwaukee Brewers. Spotted Cow is available only in Wisconsin, leading to its cult status among beer aficionados. Nothing is more Sconnie than a Cow, a brat, some Special Stadium Sauce and a side of curds.
Image of Swinging’ Friar Ale courtesy Ballast Point Brewing Company.
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