Cheer with a Beer!
Nothing says Summer-lovin’ in CNY quite like watching a Syracuse Mets baseball game and drinking a cold one while wolfing down a Hofmann’s hot dog slathered in any number of tasty condiments, or perhaps you’d rather chase a Lupo’s chicken spiedie with a brewski? Either way, both options are available to you during Craft Beer Fridays at NBT Bank Stadium this summer!
What are Craft Beer Fridays, do you ask?
During this promotion, $20 gets you one ticket to a Friday home game this season, seated in the 200-level section, and comes with two 16oz craft beer vouchers. There is also the option to pay $22 per ticket to be seated in the 100-level section. (As an FYI, you must be 21 & older to purchase these promotional tickets – so remember to bring your ID with you to the game!) There are two ways to get tickets: either call the ticket office at 315-474-7833 to purchase your tickets, where they’ll be held at Will Call for pickup on game day, or go to the Mets official website www.syracusemets.com and purchase online. If purchasing online there is a nominal $1.50/ticket convenience fee; you’ll also have the option to print the tickets at home, pick the tickets up at Will Call or have the tickets sent straight to your mobile phone where the barcode can be scanned at the gate. Of course, if it’s a last minute decision to go catch a game, you can always purchase tickets at the Box Office on the evening of the game itself.
Also, something to keep in mind – If you’re going as a couple or a group and you’re purchasing tickets online or over the phone, one person will need to pony up the cash in order to all be seated together. (I would hold the beer vouchers hostage until everyone pays you back, but that’s just me.)
Where do I redeem my vouchers?
The Hops Spot Craft Beer Room (sponsored by, you guessed it, Captain Obvious – The Hops Spot, the same restaurant located in Armory Square) is located on the first base side of the stadium on the same level as all of your food choices. It’s small, (but houses so much beer!) therefore you may have a small wait in line, but the traffic flows in and out pretty quickly.
Tell me more about the selection of craft beer available!
Inside The Hops Spot Craft Beer Room, there’s a large chalkboard with a vast array of beers to choose from both in 16oz cans and on tap. There are stouts and porters to IPAs and sours and literally EVERYTHING in between. On any given game day, there will be a different variety of craft beer available on draft, and the selection of craft cans will be rotating as well. They have up to 72 different craft beer cans available and up to 4 draft beers running at once. In addition, at least once a month, a local brewery will be promoting a “tap takeover” of said draft lines. This is a wonderful way to promote and support local business and give ticketholders even more of an opportunity to experience great craft beer.
New for this season, Mikkeller NYC, based in Queens, has also formed a partnership with the Syracuse Mets. Mikkeller NYC is part of a larger conglomerate that includes Mikkeller Brewing in San Diego, CA and Mikkeller Brewing in Copenhagen, Denmark. Drafts of their beer will be available in the Hank Sauer Room of Legends at the stadium.
If you’re looking for a list ahead of time, download the app Untappd to your smartphone or tablet and start following NBT Bank Stadium to see what’s available. If you’re unfamiliar to Untappd, it’s a great tool to use to follow your favorite breweries and keep track of all the beers that you’re trying. And while you’re at it, come follow me as well, as I document all my brew adventures! You can find me at username: Merritka12.
BONUS!
There are FIREWORKS after every Friday night home game. The display is actually pretty great too, so definitely stick around for it!
Sign me up, when’s the next Craft Beer Friday?
Your final opportunities for the 2019 season to participate in Craft Beer Friday are on:
Friday, August 16th vs. Norfolk Tides
Friday, August 23rd vs. Rochester Red Wings
There’s almost nothing better than a summer evening of cheering on our home team, whether that be our baseball team, local businesses, or local breweries! After all, that’s what makes Syracuse such a tight-knit and supportive community. So, get out there and enjoy the last little bit of summer we have!
Cheers!
