Coca-Cola Returns to Wrigley Field as New Legacy Partner
It looks like Coke will no longer be confined to a boat on Lake Michigan, which is a joke that probably makes no sense to those who aren’t chronic social media users. In any case, Pepsi is out as the preferred soft drink at Wrigley Field after four decades. While this upsets me personally as a Pepsi devotee, I typically prefer beer and water at a ballgame anyway.
See below for the official press release, my favorite part of which is how “Official Fan Refreshment” is granted capital-noun status.
Cubs and #CocaCola in perfect harmony.
Returning to the Friendly Confines this year. pic.twitter.com/JXQWAPfJYI
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) January 10, 2023
The Chicago Cubs today announced Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling as a new Legacy Partner, establishing Coca-Cola as the Official Fan Refreshment of the club, Wrigley Field and Sloan Park. With this new partnership, fans will be able to enjoy an assortment of Coca-Cola products at Gallagher Way beverage stands, at all Sloan Park general concessions during Spring Training starting Saturday, February 25, and at all Wrigley Field general concessions as of Thursday, March 30. Coca-Cola was originally sold and advertised at Wrigley Field from 1927-81.
With Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling’s exclusive rights to the soft drink and water category, fans will be able to enjoy Coca-Cola products including but not limited to: Coca-Cola®, Coca-Cola® Zero Sugar, Diet Coke®, Sprite®, Minute Maid® Lemonade, DASANI® and smartwater®. In-ballpark signage, advertising and in-game activations will highlight the Coca-Cola brand and products throughout both ballparks and at Gallagher Way. In addition, Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling will run retail promotions providing fans with the opportunity to win game tickets, pregame access, on-field experiences and much more.
“We are proud to welcome Coca-Cola back to Wrigley Field and to begin a new tradition at Sloan Park and Gallagher Way,” said Cubs President of Business Operations Crane Kenney. “After being served at Wrigley Field for over 50 years, this long-term partnership reconnects two iconic American brands, providing Cubs fans with an array of great beverage choices.”
Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling is a proud West Coast and Midwest bottler and distributor of Coca-Cola brands and operates across 10 states: California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, Tennessee and Wisconsin. Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling manufactures and delivers Coca-Cola products to restaurants, sports venues, businesses, health care facilities, schools, convenience stores and supermarkets. As a local bottler, Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling proudly supports the communities in which it operates
“We are thrilled to partner with the Chicago Cubs to bring fans the beverages they know and love,” said Pat Witte, Chief Customer Officer – Midwest Region for Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling. “With solid roots in Chicago, we have a long history of serving our brands to the community and are delighted to continue doing so with the Chicago Cubs organization.”
Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling becomes the 13th Legacy Partner of the Cubs joining Advocate Health Care, American Airlines, Anheuser-Busch, Beam Suntory, DraftKings, Gallagher, Horizon Therapeutics, Marriott, Sloan Valve Company, Toyota, Vienna Beef and Wintrust.