World of Beer Announced as Main Stage Sponsor for WaZoo Beer Festival

Online, July 30, 2013 (Newswire.com) - World of Beer (WOB) a thriving beer-centric tavern boasting an extensive collection of beers from around the globe, is excited to announce its partnership with the Tampa Lowry Park Zoo as the Main Stage Sponsor for WaZoo, an annual beverage tasting festival. This is the second year that World of Beer has been a main stage sponsor at the event, which will take place from 7:30 - 10:30pm on Aug. 3, 2013.

WaZoo began eighteen years ago and has since grown into one of the 'top 10 great beer festivals' according to USA Today. The event features over 275 beers and beverages from brewers around the world, with sample stations throughout the entire zoo. Over 5,500 patrons attend the annual event to enjoy the extensive food and drink offering as well as headline entertainment.

"WaZoo is a one of a kind event and we are excited to be a part of it again this year," said WOB Director of Marketing, Beth Weber Tierney. "This beer-tasting charity event has a fun atmosphere and embodies the neighborhood quality that we love at World of Beer with live music, good beer, and great friends."

World of Beer found the experience at WaZoo to be consistent with WOB Culture, and therefore wanted to be a part of it. As a Tampa-based company, World of Beer is proud to support the Tampa Lowry Park Zoo as well as local entertainment acts such as One Mile Final and Cutty Jones. Both artists have performed at Tampa WOB locations for the past six years and are set to take the stage at WaZoo.

"The Lowry Park Zoo is a tremendous asset to the Tampa Bay community," said Paul Avery, CEO at World of Beer. "We're proud to once again support the Wazoo fundraiser in a meaningful way."

Headliner One Mile Final with special guest Cutty Jones will perform on the World of Beer Main Stage in the zoo's new special events area. The event also includes a talented roster of diverse artists in locations throughout the event, including Impulse, Kim Harpo and The Hawks, and Mainstreet Band.

World of Beer will be pouring 16 different beers at the event, including several rare brews such as Stone Old Guardian French Oak Smoked, Abita Strawator, Ballast Point Barmy Honey Apricot Ale , and various local beers from Saint Somewhere and Intuition Ale Works. Included in the festivities will be a ceremonial cask tapping of Bells Two Hearted by World of Beer at the main stage area.

"World of Beer is a great company to work with, and we couldn't be happier that they were interested in sponsoring WaZoo again this year," said Tony LaForgia, Director of Business Relations for Lowry Park Zoo. "We know it's going to be a great event because of sponsors like them."

Tickets start at $60 and are on sale online at www.LowryParkZoo.com/Wazoo. Guests are invited to beat the heat with the "Beastly Beverage Club" (VIP-level ticket) in the zoo's Safari Lodge, the only air-conditioned space at WaZoo, with early entry at 6:30 p.m. The zoo will close at 3 p.m. on Aug. 3 for set up of WaZoo, which takes place rain or shine. Animals are not on exhibit during the event.

The 'WOB Culture' is unlike any other. The specially trained staff has completed an extensive, two-week beer school, and are on-hand to guide customers through the World of Beer experience centered around a global menu of beverages, live music and televised sports.

WOB steadily rewards its customers by offering a Loyalty Club Program that enables them to earn points on trying different beers. Guests earn one point for every different beer purchased at WOB, gaining them access, appreciation and rewards. The program is available to all guests, and is easily accessible through the app (available for iPhone and Android smartphones). It's the WOB culture in the palm of your hand.

WOB was founded in Tampa, FL in 2007. Currently, 44 taverns are open in 14 states (FL, AL, VA, TX, WI, OH, IL, NC, GA, AZ, CO, SC, MI and WA). Locations to soon follow are New Brunswick, NJ, Brandon, FL, Belmar, CO & the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

World of Beer Franchising: World of Beer is an uncommon establishment where the experience is as essential as the product. Centered around a global selection of craft beer, delicious "tavern fare" and live music. It is important that a broad spectrum of patrons, from the beer aficionado to the casual beer fan, can enjoy the best beers on the planet and increase their beer knowledge in a comfortable and upbeat setting. Visit www.wobusa.com.

WaZoo Beer Festival: Named a Top 10 Beer Festival in America by USA Today, WaZoo, presented by JJ Taylor Distributing, features Zoo-wide samplings of more than 275 beers and beverages from around the world. Whether you're a beer aficionado or just on a quest to quench your thirst, WaZoo is the place for you! The fun-times flow all night as you enjoy great food from Bay Area restaurants, live music presented by World of Beer and encounters with some Zoo-Venturous guests.

Hype Group: Hype Group is a full-service marketing, advertising and public relations agency. Visit www.hypegroup.net.

Editors: For details, or to schedule an interview contact Brooke Boyd at [email protected] or 727.623.9085.