Despite an unfavorable 3-0 result against Real Salt Lake Saturday evening, Quakes fans took solace in one of the most highly anticipated off-season changes to Buck Shaw Stadium: Beer in the stands.
The Quakes made several off-season signings and dropped ticket prices, but the most popular change from 2009 to 2010 could be beer in the stands. In prior seasons, fans had to drink in designated sections dubbed "penalty boxes" by one fan.
"Now that we can bring beer in the stands, all we need is a port-a-potty near our seats and we're set," one season ticket holder from San Francisco quipped while holding a Bud Light. "The selection is great. It's improved from last year."
Vendors were slinging suds at a record rate for the largest crowd, 10,589, in stadium history on Saturday. Some Quakes fans relaxed with freshly squeezed limes floating in frothy 24-ounce cups of Corona while others settled into their seats with a traditionally American brew, Bud or Bud Light.
The Quakes' diversified beer portfolio now includes: Bud Light, Budweiser, Corona (24oz and 12oz), Modelo Especial, Newcastle, Sierra Nevada, Fat Tire, Pyramid Haywire Hefeweizen, Lagunita IPA, Kona Longboard and Kona Fire Rock can all be found within Buck Shaw Stadium.
"I started out with the quantity, a Budweiser, five bucks for 16 ounces. Next up was a Fat Tire and then I found the Lagunitas - that's a winner right there," said Morey Roscrow of Milpitas with an IPA in hand.
Roscrow found the Lagunitas IPA to his liking, but was pleasantly surprised to discover a freshly constructed Sierra Nevada tent at the north end of Buck Shaw Stadium; Christopher Columbus couldn't have been as happy to land in the Americas.
If the added selection isn't enough to encourage a brew-tour around Buck Shaw, the price per cup is down as well.
Earthquakes Executive Vice President David Alioto has made it clear throughout the off-season that prices would be reduced from the box office to concessions in order to provide better value for fans attending matches in 2010.
"Our front office made a huge commitment to our fans during the off-season with policies that will put money back in their pockets," Alioto said. "We also believe that our beer selection is greatly improved with several imports now available. And, even better, fans can now enjoy their beer from the comfort of their seats."
