The Phillies and Aramark this season will sell "cocktails and wine on the main concourse's general concession areas at Citizens Bank Park" for the first time, according to Michael Klein of the PHILADELPHIA INQURIER. The drinks will be sold at a concession spot that is "expanding an existing beer bar," and the beverages "cannot be brought out to seats." Wine and spirits "have been served previously at non-Aramark restaurants, such as McFadden's, as well as in premium seating areas and at the sit-down restaurant Harry the K's." A Phillies-branded dry red wine created in partnership with Pennsylvania-based Chaddsford Winery "will be among the offerings." Meanwhile, new concessions at the ballpark this season include "a new partnership" with QSR franchise Wayback Burgers (PHILLY.com, 3/31). MLB Network's Kevin Millar noted Phillies fans are "looking at a rough year on paper," with the team projected to finish well under .500. Millar: "They’re already angry at wherever they’re going and the scene right now. They don’t want to rebuild. They’re an angry scene already and now you’re going to add alcohol? I used to go into the Vet and they led the league in fights. ... I don’t know if this is a great idea.” MLB Network’s Paul Severino said, “It’s one of the reasons I won’t take my son to an NFL game. It seems like the alcohol intake in an NFL parking lot or stadium, whatever it is, just gets out of hand, it’s tough. You’ve just got to be careful" ("Intentional Talk," MLB Network, 3/31).
