Draft Picks: Tally an Outfield Assist at Victory Field

This is the sixth in a series of MiLB.com Draft Picks articles about clubs crafting unique and interesting beers for their respective fan bases. Already profiled: Gwinnett's 6-4-3 Pilsner, Spokane's Redband Tangerine Wheat Beer, Fayetteville's Birdy Brew, Kannapolis' Baller Beer and Omaha's Ale Storm.

The Indianapolis Indians are celebrating their 121st season in 2023. They’re the oldest professional sports team in the city and because of that, their identity and the city’s are one and the same.

To find this connection in the ballpark, look no further than the Pirates' Triple-A affiliate’s Outfield Assist Lager, which has been sold at games for 12 years and is a display of the team’s partnership with Sun King Brewery.

“It is very popular among Indians fans,” said Indianapolis director of communications Cheyne Reiter. “Sun King has been a great partner of ours for over a decade and we’re just happy to have that product available at Victory Field.”

The Outfield Assist, which has changed names and can art over the years, has always had the same classic recipe. It’s a Vienna-style lager, with a malt flavor and a crisp finish, thanks to the German Noble hops it features.

The beer is available both on tap and in cans and is sold at the Yuengling Landing at Victory Field, local stores and all Sun King locations.

“We were just looking for something with a smooth crisp finish,” Reiter said. “Something that would hit well at a ballgame. When it’s a July summer night, it’s hot, it’s humid, so something that’s going to hit the taste buds right. That’s what we were looking for.”

Spring fever means baseball season is right around the corner & that can only mean the return of Outfield Assist Vienna-Lager! ⚾

Outfield Assist is the Official Craft Beer of @TheVicIndy. You'll be able to get your hands on this crisp easy drinker starting Friday, March 31st.🍺 pic.twitter.com/eWgjVYhcJw

— Sun King Brewery (@SunKingBrewing) March 21, 2023

The beer must hit the taste buds right, because the Indians have been serving it up for over a decade, and the fans love it.

While the collaboration with Sun King Brewery started as a way to bring a signature beer to the ballpark, it has blossomed into much more than that. In addition to the special suds, Sun King is the presenting sponsor for “Thirsty Thursdays” at the ballpark. For the promotion, which occurs at every Thursday home game, all drinks are at a discount, including, of course, the Outfield Assist Lager.

Thursdays aren’t just for discounted drinks, they’re also for “Circle City Nights.” This event was introduced in 2019 by the club to honor the Indianapolis community.

For the games, the players sport special Circle City jerseys, akin to the Nike City Connect jerseys that many Major League teams have. The uniforms are navy blue and feature a special edition logo.

#OTD in 2019, the Indianapolis Indians debuted their Circle City jerseys as an homage to our beloved city. 💙❤️@Meijer | #AtTheVic pic.twitter.com/iYSTkvIHKD

— Victory Field (@TheVicIndy) May 2, 2021

“It’s celebrating that we’re the longest and oldest sports organization in town, but then elevating local business, whether it be through Sun King, or through the shop with the special shirts that we sell on Thursday nights,” Reiter said.

The same logo that’s on the Circle City shirts and jerseys is also on the can, making the beer a perfect beverage while fans enjoy the festivities, which include DJs performing and local collegiate athletes signing autographs.

“It’s celebrating Indianapolis and everything local business and what the people that come out of the city have to offer,” Reiter said.