Xtras: 2nd Annual Good Brews at Citizens Bank Park for Phillies Phans [2013 SPREADSHEET]

In 2012, history was made at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Yes, Ryan Howard hit his 300th home run, Jimmy Rollins collected his 2,000th base hit and Jim Thome hit a memorable walk-off bomb. Yet the history we’re talking about has nothing to do with the action on the field and everything to do with … beer. You see, 2012 was the first year when beer locations changed in Citizens Bank Park. On a really hot summer day, this food/drink blogger and Phillies phan used to walk out to left field just to purchase Sly Fox Royal Weisse on draft (as first recommended by Philadelphia Inquirer food writer Craig Laban). When I noticed a change in location last April, I thought others must be looking around for their favorite brews, too, right?

After that “deep thought” and many hours walking around the stadium, the “Good Brews at Citizens Bank Park” spreadsheet was born. [See last year’s original post here.] Whether people referenced it as a guide, locator or list, the Phillies phaithful greatly enjoyed our hard work last year. So we’re back, walking, sipping and chronicling the 100, 200 and 300 level concourses at the ole’ ballpark in 2013.

As they say, history repeats itself, and it appears beer locations at ballparks are no exception to the rule. In 2013, CBP beers have changed locations … again. Have no fear, you can still find them with a little assistance from your good friends at Chocolate Covered Memories. Yes, indeed, we walked the entire ballpark (again!), recorded what’s on draft, bottle and can in every location (well, we recorded the good stuff, that is) and created the ultimate spreadsheet for beer-loving Phillies phans’ viewing (er, drinking) pleasure.

Here’s a quick recap of the 2013 beer news from the first two exhibition games, as some great new beers were added this season …

• As you may have heard, the former-Irish Pub in right field Section 102 is now called the Alley Brewing Co. It features 18 (yes, EIGHTEEN!) taps. A ton of craft beer bottles and cans are available here, as is Victory’s new Alley Brewing Co. Lager, a crisp light brew. There’s also a really cool Phillies plastic cup offered when you order a super premium pour (during exhibition games, those were two different Goose Island brews from Chicago), which we didn’t see offered anywhere else.
• On draft, Victory Summer Love has replaced Victory Hop Devil almost everywhere in CBP, which is nice for those hot months, although we love Hop Devil in the cooler weather.
• This season, bottles of Victory Hop Devil and Victory Headwaters Pale Ale can be found almost everywhere, not just at Brewerytown locations.
• Flying Fish Red Fish has joined Flying Fish Farmhouse Summer Ale and Extra Pale Ale predominantly throughout the park.
• There are some awesome offerings from Allagash, Dogfish Head, Ommegang, Philadelphia Brewing Company, Sly Fox and Troegs, just to name a few.
• Gluten-free and healthy food options are much more accessible throughout the park, as are new, gluten-free Angry Orchard Hard Cider cans, in addition to last year’s Redbridge bottles and Woodchuck Cider on draft.
• Sly Fox Pikeland Pils is a nice addition to the regular can selection, joining standards such as Corona, Guinness, Sierra Nevada, Stella and Yuengling.
• There are a lot more craft beers in the 200 and 300 levels now, which is great for all beer lovers!
• There are now three full-service bars with booze and wine (and one with frozen drinks!) that you can access with a regular ticket.
• And, lastly, if you’re a domestic beer drinker, then you might as well have some fun with it … There’s a poured-from-the-bottom-of-the-cup station near home plate; Miller High Life & PBR are at one location; and there are 24-ounce domestic mega-cans scattered throughout the park (while supplies last; those jawns were super popular last year).

Want to know where to find all of these new brews for your next “I’m-gonna-grab-a-beer-during-this-pitching-change” moments in 2013? Without further adieu, here is the second annual Chocolate Covered Memories Good Brews at Citizens Bank Park Spreadsheet (2013-style). Get Thirsty! Enjoy! Cheers! And, of course … Go Phillies!

P.S. If you see me around town, buy me a beer. “You’re welcome.” 🙂