Drink It Up: Nats Debut Incentive Program For Bars, Restaurants

The Nationals are allowing bars and restaurants from Maryland to North Carolina to join a team-sponsored program "if they have at least one television and pledge to show every Nationals game," according to Jacob Bogage of the WASHINGTON POST. The "Curly W Restaurant and Bar Alliance" will provide "perks for patrons" of participating establishments. That includes a "'bar kit' of decorations and fan handouts, such as koozies, hats, Nats bottle openers and ticket discount vouchers." The Nationals also will "periodically distribute promotional items and prizes -- including free tickets -- in exchange for participating." The team claims that 37 venues "have already joined the Alliance." This is seen as a "step forward for the distribution of Nationals broadcasts, which are controlled by MASN" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 4/13).