GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Beer at a Grand Rapids Public Schools facility? It’s a reality thanks to a partnership between the district, the city's soccer club and New Holland Brewery.
Those involved say it’s beneficial for everyone.
The Grand Rapids Football Club started less than five years ago as a soccer fans’ dream and a GoFundMe page. Since then, it’s grown to include an army of devoted fans that travel around the Midwest to see their beloved Blues play. The team is now about to enter its fourth season.
The Blues have gone from a team exclusively comprised of West Michigan players to recruiting athletes internationally.
Until now, hardcore fans known as the Grand Army were limited to drinking during a pregame gathering at Bob's Sports Bar on Michigan Street NE, then making the half-mile march to Houseman Field to watch the team play.
Now, fans will be able to quaff pints of Holland Brewing Company brew, including a lager made especially for the club, called “Xtra Time.”
“That was one (of the) biggest complaints we got, was there was no beer in the stadium. So there were a lot of fans who would stay away from games or maybe just stay at the bar and have a few more beers," said Matt Roberts, founder and owner of the Grand Rapids Football Club. “We’re hopeful this captures a few more of those casual fans out there who maybe don’t know much about soccer.”
The school board agreed to change its policy to allow beer at this one venue for this one group. In turn, half of the profits will go to the school system to pay for the upkeep of the stadium, uniforms and equipment.
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