The fans at Angel Stadium are "getting a taste of the Inland Empire with the introduction of Hangar 24 beers into the concession lineup," according to Tiffany Ray of the Riverside PRESS-ENTERPRISE. The brewery based in Redlands, Calif., is "one of two local companies that were invited into the stadium this year to join the list of premium beers." The move "taps into booming consumer demand for locally sourced products and services, and for high-quality craft beer." Aramark-Angel Stadium Premium Services Division Manager Jeff Grupe said, "The craft industry as a whole is really starting to grab on. That’s what people are asking for." Hangar 24 is "on tap in the stadium’s private Diamond Club and the Knothole Club, which is open to the public." It also is "available at the Draft Pick brewing concession near Gate 2 and in sections that offer in-seat service." It is "being sold by the bottle in stadium suites." Grupe said that the craft brewers "already are rivaling stadium sales of Blue Moon and Stella Artois." He added that he is "considering adding portable sales sites around the stadium at midseason." Ray notes Angel Stadium "isn’t the only sports venue clueing in to the craft-brew trend." San Diego area brewer Stone Brewing Co. brands are sold at Petco Park, and a "selection of craft beers from the Frederick, Md.-based Flying Dog Brewery is offered at Oriole Park at Camden Yards." Also, Indianapolis-based Sun King Brewing Co. this year "was named the official craft beer" of the Triple-A Int'l League Indianapolis Indians (Riverside PRESS-ENTERPRISE, 5/1).
