White Sox open craft beer bar, announce other ballpark tweaks

Looking to capitalize on the craft-beer craze, the White Sox on Wednesday unveiled a new ballpark bar dedicated to artisanal brews.

More than 75 craft beers from 38 breweries will be featured at the Craft Kave.

The craft-beer bar replaces the Miller Lite Bullpen Sports Bar behind the right-field bullpen at Guaranteed Rate Field.

The Sox hosted a media day Wednesday to tout their new beer-forward vision and several other ballpark tweaks.

Thirsty visitors to the Craft Kave will be ushered past a wall of coolers filled with colorful craft-beer cans. Most offerings are brewed in the Midwest. An employee will be on hand to answer beer questions and make food menu-pairing recommendations.

“It’s meant to be interactive,” said Joey Nigro, general manager for Delaware North Sportservice, the concessions and retail provider at Guaranteed Rate Field. “Go grab a can, read the label, find out more about the brewery, about the beer, and we’ll have a checkout window at the end of the line. And they’ll crack the tops open for you, and you’ll be on your way.”

A 12-ounce can will cost $8.75. A 16-ounce can will cost $10.75. The Craft Kave will sell domestic 16-ounce cans for $8.75.

Also, expect new signs around the park, reflecting an end to the ballclub’s decades-old marketing deal with Miller Brewing. The Sox have inked marketing agreements with Goose Island Beer Co., Pabst Brewery, Bell’s Brewery and Founders Brewing Co. A marketing deal with Mexico-brewed Modelo was announced earlier this month.

One place Modelo will be represented is in left field at a new beer stand called “Casa Modelo,” which was under construction Wednesday and hopefully will be ready in time for the home opener Monday against the Tigers.

The club also introduced a new suite, called Suite 134, a few rows behind home plate that will cost between $4,000 and $6,000 a game to rent. The fee includes a food and beverage package for up to 25 people and four parking spots.

The Home Plate Club, a premium lounge and seating area also behind home plate, will be rebranded as the Guaranteed Rate Club.

A host of new menu items also were unveiled, including “The Wok Off” — an egg lo mein noodle dish inspired by nearby Chinatown fare that will be served in Section 157.

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Email: mdudek@suntimes.com