By Alex Robinson
Queens beer aficionados will be able to enjoy their suds with a side of bacon at Citi Field this summer.
The first Bacon and Beer Classic will be held July 26 and will offer the choice of 25 different bacon dishes and more than 100 craft beers.
“This certainly won’t be a run-of-the-mill experience for guests,” said Kate Levenstien, founder of Cannonball Productions, a Manhattan-based events management firm, which is putting the event on. “Because New Yorkers are such die-hard sports fans and so knowledgeable about craft beer and gourmet food, we’re thrilled to be hosting our next event at Citi Field in July.”
The beer and bacon fest, which will have a brunch session from noon to 3 p.m. and an evening session from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., boasts ales and lagers from more than 35 breweries and a potpourri of different bacon offerings, from BLTs and bacon sliders to cheesecake chocolate bacon bites.
Aramark, the food contractor at Citi Field, has agreed to suspend the venue’s license for the day so outside beer and food could be brought into the ballpark for the event.
Many of the attending breweries will be from the five boroughs, including Queens Brewery.
“We wanted to make sure they were high quality and in the regional vicinity and that they had at least two different seasonal styles of beer,” Levenstien said.
Staff from local brew stores will also be on hand to give home brew demonstrations for those beer drinkers wishing to learn while they enjoy their libations.
“We’ve got everything, including stuff for people who want a bit of eduction or those who just want to have fun and drink and eat,” Levenstien said.
The borough’s Bacon and Beer Classic was one of many this summer as Cannonball Productions hosted a similar festival at the Seattle Mariners’ ball park, Safeco Field, in May and have a third event scheduled for Minute Maid Park in Houston in September.
Levenstien said she is planning to spread the bacon and beer extravaganza to other major league ballparks in Boston and San Diego next year.
The Queens event will go on rain or shine as vendors will be set up along the inside of the field level concourse in Citi Field.
Tickets for general admission are $59 and VIP tickets will set drinkers back $129. VIP tickets offer a number of additional perks, including dugout access and an extra hour of admission. There is also a reduced price of $39 for designated drivers.
Reach reporter Alex Robinson by e-mail at arobinson@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4566.
