Good Times on Tap During Brewfest at Raley Field
All-Star Line-up of over 35 Northern California Microbreweries

(Sacramento, Calif.) - What do you get when you combine over 35 power-hitting microbreweries and Raley Field? A great day at the ballpark!

Brewfest, Northern California's strongest line-up of specialty brewers pouring in the same venue, will be the toast of West Sacramento, Saturday, May 12, from 1:00pm to 5:00pm.

The Northern California Brewer's Guild and Raley Field have partnered on this inaugural event to bring leading regional breweries to the ballpark's concourse area for a sampling spectacular. With the baseball diamond as a backdrop, connoisseurs will be able to sample specialty brews with traditional ballpark fare served at the concession stands. Live music and entertainment will complement the festivities.

"Brewfest will feature the largest collection of Northern California breweries showcasing the craft brew," said Glynn Phillips, of the Northern California Brewer's Guild. "Brewpub patrons can expect a homerun event."

Among the line-up of award-winning breweries are Rubicon Brewing Company, Fox Barrel Cider, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, and many more.

Lost Coast Brewing Company, started by two women in Eureka, will feature its Gold, Silver and Bronze medal winning beers from the 2005 Los Angeles County Fair. San Francisco's 21st Amendment will pour "21A-IPA," an India Pale Ale and Silver Medal winner at the 2007 Australian International Beer Awards. The 2006 Gold Medal Hefeweizen from the West Coast Beer Festival will be on tap at Blue Frog & Grog Brewery.

The Craft Beer industry is defined by four distinct markets: microbreweries, which produce less than 15,000 barrels of beer annually; Brewpubs, which are restaurant-breweries; regional craft breweries, producing between 15,000 and 2,000,000 barrels annually; and contract brewing companies, business that hire another brewery to produce its beer.

There are three styles of beer: lager, ale and specialty. The difference between lagers and ales is the type of yeast used. Lagers use yeast that sits at the bottom of the tank and ferments at cooler temperatures, typically 32-46 degrees Fahrenheit. The yeast in ales ferments at higher temperatures, between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit, and float on the top of the fermenting tank. Specialty beers are usually a combination of lagers and ales. Types of lagers include pilsner, bock and marzen. Types of ale include porter, stout, and pale ales.

Brewfest tickets are available in advance for $25 at the Raley Field box office, at ticketmaster.com or any Ticketmaster outlet, or at the gate for $30. Tickets include ten 5-ounce tastings, with four extra tastings available for $5. Designated drivers can purchase a $5 ticket at the gate and receive unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. Attendees must be 21 or older. Parking is available on-site for $10 per vehicle.

Future Raley Field events include Jazz Jubilee May 25-28; The Grape Escape, June 23; Under the Lights Fight Night at Raley Field Aug. 11 & Oct. 11 and Rhythm & Ribs, Sept. 21-23.

Raley Field, nestled along the Sacramento River in West Sacramento, is home of the Oakland Athletics Triple-A affiliate Sacramento River Cats. This privately financed ballpark has been the host to numerous concerts, community celebrations, festivals and private events. For more information about any of the other scheduled events at Raley Field, call 916-376-4676 or visit http://raleyfield.com/home/.