Oxford, AL – Choccolocco Monsters will offer fans of the proper age the opportunity to enjoy a beer or cocktail during games perhaps as soon as Friday
By Al Muskewitz
Baseball fans who’d like to enjoy a cold one or two with their hot dog while taking in a Choccolocco Monsters game won’t have long to wait.
The team could have its beer garden in Choccolocco Park up and running in time for Friday night’s series opener with the Gainesville Gol’Diggers.
All it needs is a letter from the health department and Oxford Mayor Alton Craft’s final approval. When OK’d, it will be the first time alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase at the city-owned facility.
“The last I heard we had the ABC people up there (Wednesday) looking at things,” Monsters assistant general manager Diego Wilson said. “They basically said they had everything they needed from us. Once they draw up their report, it goes to the Mayor; he gets the final say so. We’re waiting to see if he thinks we’re ready. If not this weekend, guaranteed by next weekend it’ll be up.”
The beer garden is a separate operation from the park’s concession stand and will provide a revenue stream for the club.
Alcoholic beverages are available at Golden Park, the home of Monsters parent Ignite Sports’ other ticket-driven team in the Sunbelt Baseball League, the Columbus Chatt-a-Hoots.
The beer business is booming. It added $80,000 to the club’s bottom line last year. If that were to happen here, it would be $30,000 more than the Monsters pay the city to play here.
The club encourages those fans who will imbibe to enjoy responsibly.
“We’re not going to be doing any Thirsty Thursday or beers this cheap this week,” Wilson said. “We want it to be a family-friendly event, something where if you want an adult beverage, we have it offered; if not, no big deal.”
Of course, there will be rules.
The beer garden will be in an easily recognized, cordoned-off area near the concession stand and serve canned beer and pre-mixed cocktails.
The adult beverages will only be sold during Monsters games, must be consumed within the confines of the Signature Field complex and may be taken into the seating area.
It’ll cost you $5 for a 16-ounce can and $6 for a (not Alton) Craft beer; together they’ll cost you what one premium beer is at an Atlanta Braves game.
“It’ll be enough to make sure people aren’t getting carried away with how many they’re buying, but not too much so mom or dad can have a couple and not break the bank,” Wilson said.
The beer garden will be staffed by experienced bartenders trained to recognize those overserved and security will be on hand to ensure patron safety.
Sales will be suspended in the seventh inning. [*** read more sports pieces]
