Dogfish Head to debut river deck at PPL Park as part of Union’s home opener

Between offering more than a half-dozen craft brews on the concourse and Yards' creation of a special Sons of Ben-themed ale last year, it's clear that the Philadelphia Union are down with the craft beer movement. This season, that connection will deepen with the opening of the Dogfish River Deck.

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery will take their off-centered ales to PPL Park at the start of the Union's season this coming Saturday, March 7, to give the stadium a "destination beer garden." The Union actually announced the move late last year, with news that Dogfish Head had joined the team's list of corporate sponsors alongside the likes of Delaware Express and Musselman's applesauce.

Now, though, the home opener is coming up, and PPL Park can hear thirsty fans fast approaching. For them, the stadium will provide Dogfish Head brews including Namaste, Aprihop, and their famous 60 Minute IPA alongside the standard options. What's more, though, is that Dogfish will name an "Off-Centered Fan of the Match" for each home game, with winners taking home a Union/Dogfish Head goodie bag.

"We're super-excited to be supporting the Union," Dogfish Head founder Sam Calagione said via a press release. "Both Dogfish and the Union have grown thanks to the loyal support of fans and followers, and it feels good to be joining forces."

Philadelphia Union CEO Nick Sakiewicz, for his part, seems to agree.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dogfish Head to the Philadelphia Union family," Sakiewicz says of the partnership. "On behalf of the entire organization, we pledge our continued commitment to forming world-class partnerships strategically designed to deliver exceptional value with companies and brands that authentically resonate with the best fans in all of soccer."

PPL's partnership with Dogfish Head stands in stark contrast against many of MLS's clubs, with seven organizations having signed deals last year that established Heineken as their official beer for this coming season. However, that's not to say that Dogfish is small potatoes — they're actually the 13th largest craft brewery in the United States.

Union fans, of course, may well see this as a "meant to be" scenario. Backheel readers will remember last year that The Free Beer Movement teamed up with the publication to produce MLS uniforms with craft beer sponsorship in mind. Naturally, the Union got paired up with Dogfish Head:

And while we may not be seeing that particular design on the field this season, we'll still be able to imagine it. And that ought to be a little easier with a continually-hopped IPA in-hand.