In Milwaukee, Rich Kirchen reported Hank the dog, the Brewers' unofficial mascot, "will get his own merchandise kiosk at Miller Park this season -- dubbed Hank's Hangout -- and a bobblehead giveaway for the team’s Mother’s Day home game." Brewers COO Rick Schlesinger said of Hank-related items, "The demand for product is just to the point now where it’s not really slipping and he’s worthy of his own store. We keep coming up with different items of merchandise." Twenty percent of retail-price merchandise sales from Hank, whom the team adopted in '14 after he "wandered into the Brewers spring training facilities in Arizona, is donated to the Wisconsin Humane Society" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 4/2).
SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP: The D-backs, in partnership with Levy Retail Group, have completed renovations at Chase Field, including the remodeling of retail locations throughout the ballpark known as The Chase Field Team Shop presented by Majestic. The flagship store, which is now open to the public and remains open every day from 10:00am-5:00pm PT, added more than 600 square feet of space. There are more options for fans to customize jerseys, bats and caps. The volume of items available for women and children has also been increased (D-backs).
BIRDS OF A FEATHER: In Baltimore, Ryan Sharrow noted the Orioles are "opening a new store on Eutaw Street this season where fans can purchase game-used items from their favorite players." Orioles Authentics will "sell items such as jerseys, hats, bats and balls." All merchandise will "be authenticated" by MLB. Balls that come out of play, for example, will "be immediately authenticated and delivered to the store for purchase during that game." The items will "include notes of what happened to that item during the game." All proceeds from the sale of items at Orioles Authentics will "go to the Orioles Charitable Foundation" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 4/3).
DETROIT ROCK CITY: In Detroit, Bill Shea noted the Tigers and concessionaire Delaware North Sportservice are "replacing the Leo’s Coney Island on Witherell Street at Comerica Park with a new eatery" called the Corner Tap Room. The restaurant is scheduled to open May 8. Sportservice Regional Exec Chef Mark Szubeczak said that the plan was to "have it open for Monday’s Opening Day, but the interior woodwork needed more time." Szubeczak said that the Corner Tap Room will "seat 140, including patio seating when weather permits." The interior is "expected to reflect the Tigers' history" (CRAINSDETROIT.com, 4/2).
INTO THE DEEP: Austin-based Deep Eddy Vodka has reached a three-year agreement to be the Official Craft Vodka of the Padres. The company as part of the deal will open the Deep Eddy Vodka Hideaway, a branded seating area and bar that will be open to all fans, located in Petco Park's left field corner terrace. The deal also includes field-facing signage and Deep Eddy Vodka-themed designs. The brand will also be featured in TV and radio commercial spots during Padres broadcasts (Deep Eddy).
ON THE ROCKS: The Rockies and Tuaca Liqueur last Thursday announced a partnership for the right-field terrace at Coors Field. The new area on the top level of The Rooftop will be called the Tuaca Terrace and is accessible to all ticket holders during the '15 season (Rockies).
