Denver’s Nice American Beer Competition returns in October for the primary time since 2019, and regardless of being the most important beer occasion of the yr, the competition itself will truly be smaller.
GABF’s longtime dwelling, the Colorado Conference Heart, is present process building, which can restrict the competition’s footprint to about 389,000 sq. ft, down from about 584,000 sq. ft in 2019, mentioned Ann Obenchain, spokesperson for the Brewers Affiliation, which throws the occasion.
That not solely means fewer breweries serving beer — 500 down from the standard 800 — but additionally fewer tickets being bought. The Brewers Affiliation is capping attendance at 40,000 this yr, in comparison with 60,000-plus in years previous.
Tickets go on sale July 12 for American Homebrewers Affiliation members ($85) and July 13 for most of the people ($95), and are anticipated to promote out.
As a result of the Brewers Affiliation plans GABF a few years upfront, the commerce group didn’t think about discovering a brand new venue, Obenchain mentioned. The conference middle has hosted the competition since 2000.
“It’s nonetheless the biggest ticketed beer competition within the U.S. and with 40,000 individuals, one of many bigger occasions in Denver since COVID,” she mentioned. “We’re excited for the enlargement on the conference middle as a result of what it’s going to carry subsequent yr is a much bigger competition and a cool house.”
Aside from its measurement, Obenchain mentioned the fortieth annual GABF on Oct. 6-8 will look largely the identical as years previous. Bagpipers will lead the ceremonial opening every day, breweries will pour samples from behind cubicles which can be organized alphabetically by model identify, and attendees will be capable of partake in a silent disco and karaoke.
The revered competitors a part of GABF, which was held the final two years in a hybrid format regardless of the competition’s cancellation, is predicted to be its greatest but, with an anticipated 10,000-plus entries, Obenchain mentioned.
Paired, a meals and beer sampling that includes noteworthy cooks, will even return in 2022. Foodies should purchase tickets unique to that occasion ($129) or for an upcharge additionally purchase entry to the competition ground ($199).
Given the milestone anniversary, the Brewers Affiliation is planning to showcase GABF all through the years in a retrospective set up. Different sponsored sights are nonetheless to be decided, Obenchain mentioned.
As for COVID-19 protocols, GABF isn’t requiring masks or proof of vaccination right now, Obenchain mentioned, including that that coverage topic to vary to satisfy federal and state pointers.
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