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May 9, 2015

The craft beer industry is growing rapidly all over the United States but let us not forget that the beginning of this boom was here on the West Coast. Breweries like Anchor and Sierra Nevada have led the way and greatly influenced the entire beer industry. Enter the West Coast Invitational, which according to Event Director Matson Breakey, comes as a new era of craft brew in the region from the guys who brought you the West Coast Brew Fest. The intention is to create a “Craft Brewing Experience”. The focus of this experience is a love, not just of beer, but of the art of brewing and of the influence that the West Coast has had on the beer industry as a whole. There is a huge variety of breweries up and down the West Coast and the West Coast Invitational has done their best to invite only the finest for you to experience.

The West Coast Invitational will be held Saturday May, 16th from 1pm to 5pm at Miller Park and will host 50 breweries and cideries. A partial list of the breweries that have been invited can be seen here. A new East Sacramento brewery, Sac Town Union, should be making their first public appearance at the event. Tickets are available now and will run you $40 for general admission, $95 for VIP and $5 for a designated driver. The VIP tickets get you into the event an hour early when breweries will be pouring some of their finest offerings, as well as rare beers. The price of the VIP tickets also include a 12 ounce tasting glass, a t-shirt and a $10 voucher for food from a wide variety of vendors at the event.

The “Craft Brewing Experience” is also about giving back to the community, and not just delicious brews. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Robla Education Foundation. Breakey noted that the profits from last year’s event doubled the education foundation’s budget. The event is limited to 3,000 people and will likely sell out quickly, so get your tickets now and enjoy the “Craft Brewing Experience”.

The West Coast Invitational plans on partnering with Uber to help provide a safe and affordable transportation option to event attendees. Unlike a cab, Uber will be able to drive into the event to pick up passengers according to Breakey. Make sure to look for a discount code as the event nears. Valet bike parking will also be available and will be hosted by SABA. Additionally, there will be a shuttle to bring people to and from the parking lot. Please bring a designated driver or make alternate plans for transportation. Cheers!