Pelicans begin "Hops for Hospice"
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans created a hops garden in the ballpark in the spring of 2012 that has grown into something much bigger than the corner of the Picnic Garden in which it was planted. The hops garden has inspired the creation of an area of the ballpark that features craft beers now known as Hops Heaven, a partnership with New South Brewery to create a signature beer made from hops grown at TicketReturn.Com Field, and a $2 for Tuesday Craft Beer Night for the remainder of the 2013 season.
Local brewery, New South Brewing Company, has taken the hops variety planted at the ballpark and crafted a special beer for fans at TicketReturn.Com Field. Starting on June 11 the beer will be sold at Pelicans games and for every keg that is sold, the team will donate $10 to a local hospice. "It is very unique for a minor league baseball team to brew its own beer like we are this season," Pelicans Vice President and General Manager Andy Milovich said. "As it is our goal to make a splash in the community this season, we are thrilled to be able to use this neat program to give back to Horry County while creating a truly unique experience for the craft beer lovers that visit TicketReturn.Com Field."
The Pelicans homemade beer is still without a name, but fans will have an opportunity to change that in the coming days. Until next Wednesday, fans can submit names for the beer on the Pelicans Facebook page, the South Brewery Facebook page and the Myrtle Beach Beers Lovers Facebook page. The beer is a White Pale Ale with lots of citrus notes and perfect for summer enjoyment. The naming contest winner will receive the first beer out of the tap on June 11th, complimentary tickets to the beer tapping party, as well as a Ceremonial First Pitch.
"We're excited about the new venture with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans," said New South Founder Dave Epstein. "Beer and baseball go together so great. The beer we're making is an American White Ale meets an American Pale Ale. We took the American White Ale that we produce year-round and infused it with American citrus hops to accentuate the White Ale that is spiced with coriander and orange peel. Adding the citrus hops really plays off of that citrus note to create a light and flavorful taste and aroma. It goes down real easy, but has a unique flavor unlike any other light beer out there."
Starting this Tuesday, June 4, craft beers will sell for $2 at all Tuesday games. When the Pelicans new beer becomes available, it will also sell for $2 on Tuesday. In addition to New South Brewery beers, the $2 for Tuesday will feature Sam Adams and Foothills Brewery's Carolina Blonde and Carolina Strawberry.
In addition to $2 craft beers, Tuesday will feature a Craig Kimbrel poster for the first 1,000 fans presented by Sheriar Press and 100.3 The Team. Wednesday will be a Wiener Wednesday with $1 hot dogs. Thursday is "Guaranteed Great Weather Night" - If any rain falls after the 7:05 p.m. first pitch, all fans will receive a voucher to attend another game. If more than .25 inches falls, one lucky fan will walk away with $10,000.00. Tickets are available online at www.myrtlebeachpelicans.com or by phone at 918-6000.