Unleashing Fun in the Collegiate Summer League
In a surprising turn of events, Capitol Broadcasting Company, based in Raleigh, has recently acquired the Coastal Plain League, bringing along a fresh wave of enthusiasm. With the appointment of new commissioner Chip Allen, formerly associated with the Durham Bulls, there is a strong push to infuse the collegiate summer league with a minor league attitude. “We want to make it all about fun,” expressed Allen, who is fervently working on revamping the league experience. And a significant step towards achieving this goal is the recently cemented partnership/sponsorship between the Coastal Plain League and Blue Shark Vodka, based in Wrightsville Beach.
The partnership has already begotten exciting results for two Coastal Plain League teams, the Wilmington Sharks and Holly Spring Salamanders, marking a promising start to this collaboration. As Allen stated, “We’ll be rolling out more this year,” hinting at the potential for expansion and inclusion of all 14 teams that play in the South.
As part of this collaboration, Blue Shark Vodka will be serving their pre-mixed cocktails on tap, with signature concoctions such as the “Pinch Hitter” and the “Home Run.” Mark Bloomquist of Blue Shark Vodka proudly proclaimed, “We’re the No. 1 spirit in North Carolina, and we are coming off big wins at the SIP Awards. That means a lot to me because the judges are consumers.”
However, this partnership is about more than just business; it is a celebration of America’s favorite pastime. Mark Bloomquist, a devoted baseball fan, shares his personal connection to the sport, saying, “I’ve been a baseball fan all my life.” To add to the sentimental value, Bloomquist’s son and fellow Blue Shark executive, Brett Bloomquist, once played for the Wilmington Sharks during his college years. Such profound connections only emphasize the genuine love for the game that underpins this partnership.
Looking ahead, Bloomquist is eagerly planning meetings with team officials, intending to strengthen ties and foster a genuine sense of camaraderie. Moreover, he has been actively engaging with local leaders in Wilmington, illustrating his commitment to the community.
Aside from infusing the league with Blue Shark Vodka’s spirit, Bloomquist also has plans for the beer garden at Buck Hardee Field in Wilmington. Describing his vision as a means to “fix” rather than change the existing space, he plans to introduce a canvas shade to shield fans from the sun. In a nod to the collaboration, the revamped beer garden will be aptly christened the “Shark Cage.”
Allen commended Bloomquist’s unwavering belief in baseball, remarking, “It’s great that he wants to support these players.” The partnership between the Coastal Plain League and Blue Shark Vodka promises to inject a renewed sense of excitement and entertainment into the league by combining the love for the game with the enjoyment of refreshing libations.
As this unique collaboration unfolds, baseball fans can look forward to a thrilling summer league experience. By supporting their favorite teams and relishing Blue Shark Vodka’s delectable cocktails, fans will contribute to the growing synergy between baseball and leisure. So, immerse yourself in this captivating journey as the Wilmington Sharks and the Coastal Plain League embark on an exciting vodka sponsorship venture. Cheers to a summer filled with fun, laughter, and the pure joy of America’s cherished pastime!
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This article was originally published on Wilmington StarNews: Wilmington Sharks and the Coastal Plain League Start Vodka Sponsorship.
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