Indianapolis Indians, Victory Field and a merciful end to "don't ask, don't tell" in local craft beer access.

Yesterday, the Louisville Bats drove north on I-65 to play a couple of games against the Indianapolis Indians at Victory Field, which opened in 1996, just before Slugger Field was built. Both are prototypes of the simultaneously newfangled and old-fashioned approach to entertaining baseball fans. I pondered: Are there craft beer options at Indianapolis's home park, and if so, how do they compare with the perennially disappointing macro-mania fixation in Louisville?

My verdict after light Internetz research: Thumbs up.

First, the standard disclaimer, to be considered any time one cannot actually be there to see things up close and personal. It pertains to the bastardization of the "craft" concept by multinational, industrial brewers. Absent qualification, it remains likely that "craft" in many PR-speak contexts probably includes beers that are "crafty" (i.e., mockrobrews like Shock Top and zombie crafts such as Goose Island), and not locally-brewed craft beer.

That said, the scene at Victory Field looks good, and I'm probably going to get a few supplemental comments about choices I'm omitting by concentrating on Sun King. In the past, Upland beers have been available, too, and maybe others.

If for no other reason, consider the screenshot.

It reveals the Indianapolis Indians social media department committing an act of enthusiasm almost unknown in Louisville: Touting a local business, and a local brewing business at that ... as though (shudder) localism actually meant something.

Wow.

It reads like something approximating actual pride involved, not merely money, which is a refreshing change of pace from the dry, bloodless countenance of the Louisville Bats approach, which if entirely honest would feature a besuited, actuarial Buddy Bot as mascot.

Make no mistake: I understand that Sun King's marketing position at Victory Field is the result of a pay-to-play proposition. To what extent, I've no idea. And yet, think of the traditional handshake methodology of the Bats, wherein generous multinational brewing monolith tithing not only translates into guaranteed access for swill, but effectively blocks localism in beer, as well.

Victory's approach appears to be dedicated to the proposition that mega and micro are not mutually exclusive, surely because Indians management concedes the existence of demand for craft beer among the customer base -- a statistical certainty that neither the Bats beancounters nor others in Louisville own craft brewing community seem willing to do.

Entertaining all the fans who come to a game by offering choice? Incredible, but Indianapolis appears to be getting it.

Have you attended games in Indianapolis? Let me know how it works there as we continue to build a case for proper, genuine, locally-brewed craft beer at Louisville Slugger Field.

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Sun King Indians Victory Lager named official craft beer of Indianapolis Indians (Beer Pulse)

Starting with opening day of the 2012 season, Sun King Brewing Co. is the Official Craft Beer of the Indianapolis Indians. Brewer/owner Dave Colt crafted a specialty beer in honor of this new partnership, Indians Victory Lager

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CAPTAIN MORGAN COVE

The Captain Morgan Cove offers a full bar, including wine, spirits, Indiana craft beers on tap and a selection of specialty drinks. Wait service is available to the seated guests.

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Previously: 

Toledo's Fifth Third Field

Columbus Clippers: Locally brewed craft beer is a positive enticement. Imagine that.