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When you think of baseball... craft beer, wine, and cocktails probably aren’t the first things that come to mind. In fact, most people go out to the ballgame to enjoy a cold Miller Lite or Budweiser. Cheap, American pilsners have been a sports staple since Prohibition ended, allowing fans at the 1933 Opening Day to enjoy a cold one.
So why in the hell is one company turning tradition upside down? All Star Festivals has taken America’s love for sports and beer and completely reinvented what it means to go out to the ballgame. In its fourth year of successful touring, the All Star Craft Beer, Wine, and Cocktail Festival is taking up residency in several famed ball fields around the country with more sessions, more options, and more innovations. “We create a different experience for people," says Owner/Managing Partner, Ray Sheehan. "These parks and working with the city’s Major League Baseball team brings a uniqueness to the modern day festival which is so urgently needed.” The event makes its mark in each chosen city with hundreds of vendors consisting of craft beer, wine, and liquor, utilizing relationships made with local, regional, and international brewing entities.
The All Star Craft Beer, Wine, and Cocktail Festival started four years ago in the company’s native Citizens Bank Park. Festival goers aren’t just in it for the beer and booze; the festival puts the focus on the consumer. There are options to walk the bases and hang out in the dugout, play a round of cornhole, enjoy the entertainment scattered around the main concourse, and so much more.
Managing Partners Ray Sheehan, Kellyann Beene & Dennis Gaudenzi
Bringing 10,000 people to the main concourse of a ball field is no easy feat. UpcomingEvents.com soon realized that the fest was a major success, but the guests always come first. UpcomingEvents.com quickly found that instead of having one crowded session throughout the day, they could split up the fun with two smaller sessions for easier management and more fun for all attendees. In the spirit of making improvements to their event, UpcomingEvents.com also introduced smarter pouring stations to alleviate long lines and get people their samples faster. Small craft breweries, local and regional names, and even nationally beloved regulars can rest assured that when they bring their brand to this event, they are guaranteed to be in good hands. This festival brings together breweries of all different levels, allowing consumers the chance to experience all their region has to offer and more.
The national event production company could have chosen any landscape for their landmark event. So, why baseball fields?
At the end of the day, everything comes down to money. Major League Baseball fields are continuing to search for ways to monetize their beloved parks while their teams are away. These places are familiar to people, but not many passionate baseball fans can say they’ve walked the bases while sampling some of the city’s best libations. “Our organization provides a solution for large scale venues," Sheehan says. "We plan, promote, and execute these events that otherwise would keep their park or stadium closed for the day.”
UpcomingEvents.com swooped in with a world-class idea that benefits the consumer, the parks, and even charities. All Star Craft Beer, Wine, and Cocktail Festival also raises around $10,000 per event through its silent auction to support the Trauma Survivors Foundation. Festival-goers can partake in the fun with the peace of mind that they are also making a difference in their community.
To see if the All Star Craft Beer, Wine, and Cocktail Festival is coming to your area, head to www.ballparkfestival.com.
Photographer: David Gehosky
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