Devon brewery continues its support of local Rugby
September marks the return of Premiership rugby to Devon and with it Otter Brewery’s continued involvement with top-flight club the Exeter Chiefs.
Otter Pint at Sandy Park
The new season kicks off on September 7th away to Northampton Saints followed by the first home game against London Wasps on September 14th. Otter Bitter (aka Hiawotter for match days) has been a fixture at Sandy Park for over five years in both the Wigwam and Undercroft bars.
Derek the Otter, the brewery’s furry mascot will be back once again to entertain both sets of fans with some ‘Benny Hill’ style half-time fun.
Last season saw a re-working of the original Otter Brewery ‘Over the Bar’ Challenge in which lucky ticket holders won the chance to try and convert a kick at half time in front of a packed stadium. The new element gave eager fans the chance to try and tackle Derek as he sprinted up the pitch away from them.
For 2013/2014 home fixtures this format will remain the same but with the added fun of trying to kick a ball over the bar and into a giant Otter pint attached to Derek. Successful catches see the lucky kicker entered into a prize draw and the chance to win free beer for a year.
The Chiefs finished last season in 6th place and also with the added bonus of qualification for European rugby in the form of the Heineken Cup. Their 10,744 capacity stadium Sandy Park was also named the ‘Aviva Premiership Best Match Day Experience’ by fans from across all 12 top flight clubs.
Patrick McCaig said “Grass roots rugby is just as important. In addition to our continued support of Torquay, Exmouth and Sidmouth rugby clubs, our new deal to sponsor Honiton RFC as well means we can help them directly with new kit, their infrastructure and drawing in supporters at weekends. The ground is less than 5 miles from the brewery so couldn’t be more in our heartland. We wish them all a terrific season.”
