Tag: WNBA

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Sports & A Beer – Future NBA Cities (and countries)

With the news of Portland getting a WNBA franchise, time to turn attention to re-creating another PNW grudge match.  Blazers vs Sonics.  Ever since the Thunder came into being because of duplicitous Oklahoma ownership, basketball fans have lost a rivalry game.  With the Ducks running for the money train, the UofO – OSU game has lost its luster and we could use an old fashioned derby game.

The other near lock for a new franchise (with LeBron’s backing) is Las Vegas.  That tracks too because that city has been real vocal and supportive even with the bastard step-children franchises from their relationship with Oakland.

But I would like to see a franchise added to the Eastern Conference and it might raise some eyebrows but Puerto Rico would be someplace to look at.  There would be expat fans and it would balance out the lone Canadian franchise. More importantly it could use a boost that the NBA could bring and there is no reason why the NBA or the NFL can’t use their power to build up instead of always choosing cities with that already have a lot of sway.

For beer, get yourself a couple beers each of Oregon beers and Washington beers.  Pick one style, like pilsner of West Coast IPA or stout and get a friend to help you blind taste test and see what the rankings are.

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PDX Back in the W

Two items are now on the to-do list now that the WNBA has announced that Portland will be getting a reincarnated franchise.

First is a real kick ass name. The NWSL Thorns is great because it is a riff on the City of Roses and also matches up with the woodsy Timber name for the MLS team. Please do not try to bring back the generic Fire or Power names from the past.

Pioneers is good but a little to spot on though I would take it in a pinch. I prefer Pathfinders but maybe take a cue from the minor league baseball franchises like the Hillsboro Hops or Portland Pickles or Salem Marion Berries. Or keep the T going from Timbers, Thorns and Trailblazers and go with Thunderbirds or to riff off the Portlandia statue, Tridents.

Once someone more Gen Alpha than me figures that out, our breweries need to make a signature beer for the team. Considering that Portland is a great coffee city, I suggest a Golden Coffee Stout. Something smooth and rich but with a nice topnote of java to give it a little burst. If the team does go the T route than TIPA becomes a frontrunner.

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In the Tap Lines for October 2024

We have entered Q4 of 2024. As always, the year just swings by before you know it. Before the calendar switches, we need to pack in fun like a trip to Colorado, which I will be posting about later.

~ e-visits to (3) breweries that won at this year’s GABF

~ special featured reviews of Halloween inspired beers

~Heads-Up on Los Angeles Beer Events

~ Three suggested beers to buy this month. One light, one medium and one dark

~ A Book & A Beer reads The Book of Elsewhere by Keanu Reeves and China Miéville

~ A Podcast & A Beer listens to Blocks with Neal Brennan

~ Sports & A Beer returns with WNBA and NBA expansion to Portland and maybe Seattle

~ New Beer Releases and Best Beers of the Month

~ I will tap the Firkin and give my no holds barred opinion on the craft beer world.