9 thoughts on “Too Much Ain’t Enough”

1. Ted,

   I’m sorry, but you are clear to admit to not knowing much about beer. Then please don’t take it upon yourself to research what you are seeing as a “perceved” lack of choices. It is not perceved, it is a really to me and anyone who enjoys drinking real beer. As it states above quantity of selection and QUALILTY of selection are two very different things. The 52 beers that you list above as “looking good to you” is inadequate to your fans who enjoy REAL beer at the games.

   I realize you are sarcasticly saying you need to have a taste test. But I think that is exactly what you need. I have sat in seats in the 100′s and 400′s and have to walk one third of the way around the arena just to get to the ONE Star Hill tap. To add to my pain, there are a handful of the games where that tap is dry.

   Listen to your fans who are real beer drinkers, I’m sure there is someone on your staff that loves real beer and knows that in 2010 you can’t just throw a Heineken, Stella, Dos Equis or any other gigantic watered down import and claim that you have a real beer list. Here are some names that you should research Dogfish, Bell’s, Avery, Southampton, Victory, Founder’s, Troegs or give a tap or two to District Chop house brews.

   Hockey games only sell beer for two periods. We just want to have a something that has some taste for this small period in time. Then we all will truely be “good to go”, but we are far from that now as drinking is concerned.

2. Ted,

   If you want to create a better experience for your fans, you need to keep up wiht the beverage trends, and right now for your hockey demographic that is American Craft Beers. Patrons expect more than just macro-brews. And I think will pay higher beer prices accordingly. The folks at Nationals Park understand that. They have an excellent craft beer selection over there, especially in the Red Porch. If you are satisfied having a sub par beer selection for your fans, that makes your beverage department seem second rate compared to other sports venues in town, that is your choice.

   Also, I think that Verizon center could learn a lot from the food vending at Nationals Park as well, especially the inclusion of local vendors like Ben’s Chili Bowl, Hard Times, and other local institutions.

3. I appreciate that the beer selection at Verizon is on Ted’s radar, but he completely misses the point. First, quantity does not equal quality. Having 124 different kinds of Budweiser products won’t make any of them worth drinking. Second, as others have noted, he ignores availability. That one stand, in one corner of the arena, sells a decent beer is a far cry from being “good to go.” Third, and most importanly, he apparently doesn’t understand the distinction between macro and craft beer. All people want are a few craft beer options that are widely available. Take any three selections from Dogfish Head, Victory, Bell’s, or Flying Dog and put them in a total of 10 places in the arena. That’s 30 kegs. Then he could dump half of the beers on that list. Problem solved.

4. Is there a “map” of sorts as to where the imports and microbrews are located? It seems as if the micros and such are sporadically placed throughout the arena, and tough to find, especially within a quick 15 minute intermission, which often includes a bathroom wait/visit.

   One thing you might like to consider, is that the beer market has changed dramatically over the past 10 years. And though Bud and Miller are still king, microbrews have absolutely EXPLODED in the past decade. Perhaps once every 5 games or so, you could feature a local brewer inside, somewhere near the F street entrance. It would be a boost for a local business person, it would introduce people to a local product (buy local!), and would furthermore show your support of the local community.

   It seems as if your mind is made up (I hadn’t written you about this prior), I just thought I’d put in my two cents. There are fantastic breweries in our area, and typically they don’t have the the advertising dollars, or even the volume to service a Verizon Ctr on a yearly basis. In our business (I import wine for a living) often those who don’t advertise, put their money into their product, which makes for a better beer/wine.

   Best,
   Clint in Richmond

   Go Caps!

5. everyone will note that you not only listen; but act.
   Per my previous post – it is not beverages that i would like to see improved but the food – nationals park is the current benchmark.
   harry

6. Ted:

   Thank you for posting the full list! It strikes me that what you have is people complaining about a lack of variety when what they really mean is a lack of access to variety. Of course all 52 varieties aren’t available at every beer stand. Most stands, particularly on the upper level, stick to the same 2 light beers and one or two of the most bland american lager “regular” beers. And in order to find that elusive Widmere Hefe or Peroni, you have to already know which cart or stand stocks it, and if it’s halfway around the arena from your seat, or up or down a level, that’s just too bad.

   Maybe a “beer map” would improve the fan experience? Also, I think a contest for the season ticket holder who samples all 52 varieties first is in order? And no fair locking some varieties away on the club level only!

7. It is true that there are a lot of selection, but you never know what a particular stand will have till you get through the line. Perhaps some hanging signs would help. Also, some of those are not available to a public at large since they’re only in the club areas. Just saying. I happen to think the beer selection is decent if expensive.

8. i would like to complain about the bottled water variety at verizon center. at a recent kings’ game at staples center, they provided 17 varieties of bottled water, including: hawaiian deep sea water; bling h2o; dead sea 2000; Kona Nigari; and Acqua di Cristallo Tributo a Modigliani! Clearly, Washington is lagging sadly behind in the fastest-growing beverage segment in America. I would like to know what you intend to do about this aquatic disappointment? :0

   PS: I’m a bourbon man myself – so no complaints about your beer selection.

9. Hmmmmm… impressive. But how many are available only on the Club/Suite levels?