If you are thinking: “No kidding Einstein, people go to the ballpark to watch baseball, not to drink beer…” then you probably have never been to a West Virginia Power game on a Two for Tuesday or a Thursday “Buck Night,” where the name of the game is “cheap beer” not baseball.

Don’t get me wrong, I attend many games during the season; sometimes I even watch the game. I can often be found wandering around the park on a “Two for Tuesday” with an Amber Bock in each hand, since they actually make you purchase two beers for the price of one and not simply sell you one beer at half price (the current policy promotes over-indulgence if you ask me). I also enjoy the social interaction that takes place outdoors on a gorgeous spring or summer evening. You can definitely count me as one who thinks building the park was good thing for Charleston regardless of the poor beer selection. But alas, I am a beer writer so I have to focus on the “beery” aspects of the park.

The beer selection in the park is pretty much controlled by contract with the local Bud distributor so it’s pretty bleak. Somehow they allowed Blue Moon (Coors) in there as well. All of the bargain beer is served on draught, so if you are one who claims draught beer gives you a headache, bottled swill is available at regular prices. I find Amber Bock tolerable, so I drink it when I am there. I found that If I position myself just right, behind home plate, the bready aromas from Rod “Toastman” Blackstone’s toaster will waft my way allowing me to close my eyes and pretend I am drinking a fine toasty English Ale (not really…)

If you don’t like Bud, Bud Light, et al, you need to seek the services of the “Elder Beer-man.” He can be your savior if you desire something better than swill. He can be found usually wearing an Aussie bushman’s hat and dragging around a beer cooler on wheels. For a price (forget the park specials such as two for Tuesday), he can fix you up with a Guinness draught, Grolsch and a few other beers with some flavor. He’ll even give you a lime slice with your Corona (Why would you want
Corona? Bud is actually better and cheaper). By the way, you won’t get arrested dealing with him, he is a licensed vendor at the park, and boy does he serve a purpose.

Thursday “Buck Night” can be a real zoo. Let’s face it, a buck for admission, a buck for a beer, a buck for a hot dog — that can really draw an “eclectic” crowd. Buck night was such a huge “success” the first year that they decide to cut-off beer sales at the beginning of the 7^th inning at all games. The new policy was little help on a particular “buck night” last year when they played a double header and the beer continued to flow into the 7th inning of the second game. I remember some drunk guy that looked like Danny Bonaduce wandering out on top of the visiting team’s dugout trying to pick a fight with the players and throwing stuff at them. Try that at a soccer stadium in Iran! Hey, ain’t tonight public execution night at the ballpark? (giving new meaning to the term 7th inning “stretch”)

WV Power Park is probably par for the course when it comes to beer selection at the typical American ballpark, major or minor league. The only exception where I have personal experience is Coor’s Field in Denver. That stadium actually houses Sandlot Brewing Company, which is a Coor’s-owned brewpub. Sandlot invented and continues to sell Blue Moon witbier, and they brew some really great craft beers as well.

A night at the ballpark can be a great time and this year the Power is winning more often than not. It’s really one of the most affordable family outings in the Charleston area. But, of course go for the baseball and not for the beer…

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 5th, 2007 at 7:57 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.