When we got the announcement about the media conference that would include GM Kurt Landes, as well as ABARTA Coca Cola Distribution, we assumed it was merely to announce an extension on the naming rights, and that everyone could have a pretzel and drink a Coke and talk about what a good time we’ve had over the years.
But, in somewhat of a “heel-turn” it was a break-up announcement. What was once Coca Cola Bottling of the Lehigh Valley is now ABARTA Coca Cola Distribution. Our friend–and huge IronPigs fan–Joe Brake is no longer involved. Was it merely a change of direction for ABARTA? Their business model is different now anyway? IronPigs and Lehigh County wanted more money? We don’t have any insight here at Top Level but the most likely scenario is that it was mutual. ABARTA is a different business and the IronPigs saw an opportunity for some additional revenue in 2027 dollars, rather than 2015 dollars when the 12-year extension was signed. And, the big news conference and “puff piece” media release that followed on Tuesday, was as much to honor the past as to let local business leaders know: The IronPigs are open for business.
This all doesn’t happen until after the 2027 season, so don’t look for crews ripping down the Coke bottle this summer. However, we did think we could get a jump on helping find possible partners for naming rights. We thought of some ourselves, and I asked for friends of the site to submit ideas as well.
Kram and Company:
- Jefferson Field at LVHN Stadium
- St Luke’s Stadium
- Capital Blue Cross Field
- B Braun Park
- Peep’s Park
- Mike and Ike Stadium
- Crayola Park “The Big Crayon”*
- PepsiCo Park*
- Yuengling Field*
- Jaindl Turkey Field
- Jaindl We Own This Too Park
- Jaindl Field at A-Treat Park*
- Mack Truck Stadium
- Eli Lilly Pharmaceutical Phield
- The House That Zepbound Built
- PPL Center Outdoor Venue
- Provident Bank Park
- Allentown Parking Authority Sorry About The Lower Lot Stadium
- Executive Academy Charter School Other Stadium
- Executive Academy Charter School Stadium on the Hill
Guest 1:
- B Braun Clean Air Park
- Artsquest Definitely Non-profit Field
- Windcreek Park: Busses from New York City Daily
- Casa Bonita East
- IronPigs Charities Park: Y’all Are On Your Own Now
Guest 2:
- Air Products Park
- Mack Truck Yard
- Bimbo Park
* – denotes Coke bottle could be changed or perhaps re-purposed into a giant Crayon or Zepbound syringe.
This was just for fun. Change is hard. I can’t believe I have to buy Acrisure Ketchup these days. So, leave your ideas, serious or for fun, below in the comments so that everyone can see them. Be anonymous if you wish.
See you at the Park (Field, Stadium, Place),
@Kram207