Two of Louisville’s favorite things, bourbon and baseball, are teaming up. The Louisville Bats baseball team and Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. announced a longterm partnership this week to bring bourbon to the Louisville Slugger ballpark.
For the upcoming season, two areas of the ballpark’s will be transformed into the Whiskey Thief Backstop and the Whiskey Thief Stadium Club.
“We’re proud to partner with Whiskey Thief Distilling Co., a strong Kentucky brand that aligns with our commitment to enhancing the fan experience at Louisville Slugger Field,” Bats President Greg Galiette said. “The Whiskey Thief Stadium Club Bar and the Whiskey Thief Backstop will elevate two of our premier club areas while adding a distinctive new element to the ballpark. These spaces will serve our fans during Bats games and provide a year-round venue for corporate events, special gatherings, and private functions beyond the baseball season.”
The Bats are the Triple A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. The team begins the new season on March 27 against the Omaha Storm Chasers.
Whiskey Thief Backstop and the Whiskey Thief Stadium Club
- The Backstop takes over the On-Deck Club, which features a seamless, premium journey from before the game through the final out in some of the most immersive seats in the ballpark. The Backstop features padded seating in the first two rows behind home plate, closer to the batter than the pitcher. Inside, fans can take advantage of an all-inclusive buffet with food and beverages, including beer and wine, included in the price of a ticket.
- The Whiskey Thief Stadium Club is located behind home plate on the second level of Louisville Slugger Field and features a bar, lounge with indoor seating, and a spectacular panoramic view of the ballpark and of the East Waterfront area of downtown.
- Both areas will feature premium products from Whiskey Thief.
Source: Whiskey Thief Distilling Company
"Less than 18 months after opening our tasting room in NuLu, Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. is expanding its presence in Louisville — pairing Kentucky's signature spirit with America's favorite pastime. In partnership with the historic Louisville Bats, we're introducing The Backstop, a speakeasy-style bourbon lounge behind home plate beneath the stadium — a first for Minor League Baseball. Bringing together two teams known for creating authentic, experience-driven moments, it's a distinctly Louisville collaboration built for fans who believe bourbon and baseball simply belong together.”
About Whiskey Thief Distilling Co.
(From the distillery) Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. is the first Kentucky distillery to offer every visitor a unique, straight-from-the-barrel Bourbon tasting and thieving experience, uncut and unfiltered. Distilling for over a decade on their 127-acre working farm in Franklin County, Kentucky, Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. celebrates single-barrel bourbons and whiskeys distillated from grain grown on-site. Guests at the farm and the new tasting room in Louisville are invited to fill their own bottle of Kentucky Bourbon and rye whiskey straight from the barrel, at barrel strength.
