Craft- beer bar tops park’s new amenities
Looking to capitalize on the craft- beer craze, the White Sox on Wednesday unveiled a new ballpark bar dedicated to artisanal brews.
More than 75 craft beers from 38 breweries will be featured at the Craft Kave.
The craft- beer bar replaces the Miller Lite Bullpen Sports Bar behind the right- field bullpen at Guaranteed Rate Field.
The Sox hosted a media day Wednesday to tout their new beerforward vision and several other ballpark tweaks.
Thirsty visitors to the Craft Kave will be ushered past a wall of coolers filled with colorful craftbeer cans. Most offerings are brewed in the Midwest. An employee will be on hand to answer beer questions and make food menu- pairing recommendations.
“It’s meant to be interactive,” said Joey Nigro, general manager for Delaware North Sportservice, the concessions and retail pro- vider at Guaranteed Rate Field. “Go grab a can, read the label, find out more about the brewery, about the beer, and we’ll have a checkout window at the end of the line. And they’ll crack the tops open for you, and you’ll be on your way.”
A 12- ounce can will cost $ 8.75. A 16- ounce can will cost $ 10.75. The Craft Kave will sell domestic 16- ounce cans for $ 8.75.
Also, expect new signs around the park, reflecting an end to the ballclub’s decades- old marketing deal with Miller Brewing. The Sox have inked marketing agreements with Goose Island Beer Co., Pabst Brewery, Bell’s Brewery and Founders Brewing Co. A marketing deal with Mexico- brewed Modelo was announced earlier this month.
One place Modelo will be represented is in left field at a new beer stand called “Casa Modelo,” which was under construction Wednesday and hopefully will be ready in time for the home opener Monday against the Tigers.
The club also introduced a new suite, called Suite 134, a few rows behind home plate that will cost between $ 4,000 and $ 6,000 a game to rent. The fee includes a food and beverage package for up to 25 people and four parking spots.
The Home Plate Club, a premium lounge and seating area also behind home plate, will be rebranded as the Guaranteed Rate Club.
A host of new menu items also were unveiled, including “The Wok Off ” — an egg lo mein noodle dish inspired by nearby Chinatown fare that will be served in Section 157.
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