Long Island-based Oyster Bay Brewing Co., whose commemorative Nassau Coliseum-themed Barn Rocker ale has been on tap at the arena since January, has reached a deal with MSG Network for brand placement during Islanders broadcasts. The partnership began with last Friday's game against the Flames and costs the small brewery a four-figure sum for the remainder of the season. The pact makes OBB the presenting sponsor of the net’s Coliseum Memories feature with host Stan Fischler during intermissions of the Islanders’ remaining regular-season home telecasts. The segment features Islanders alumni and celebrities with Long Island roots sharing their favorite recollections from the arena as the team’s final season there winds down. Segments have already aired featuring actors Ralph Macchio and Vincent Piazza, as well as former Islander Bobby Nystrom. Former Islanders captain Alexei Yashin and model Carol Alt will participate in upcoming editions. In addition to the Memories segment, the brewery’s logo and a call to action will be displayed in place of the scoreboard atop the screen for a few seconds several times during each of the team’s 18 remaining telecasts. Messaging prompting fans to visit the brewery or pick up a pint of Barn Rocker at the Coliseum will also be shown on a ticker during the pre- and postgame shows for each game.
BROOKLYN BOUND? OBB co-Owner Gabe Haim said that the brewery has had two conversations with Barclays Center about a pour arrangement for the ’15-16 season, the Islanders’ first in Brooklyn. While a deal is not close, Haim said that he was optimistic after the second conversation and that talks will continue after the season. Barclays Center declined comment. OBB is not an Islanders sponsor, but struck a deal with Nassau Coliseum concessionaire Savor SMG prior to this season. The beer is currently available exclusively at the Coliseum and the OBB brewery bar, but Haim said that he has received a large volume of requests from bars and restaurants. OBB plans to work with its distributor, Manhattan Beer, to reach more taps, as well as selling the beer in cans at retail establishments on Long Island, as early as September.
