This craft beer festival goes Over the Line

One of the most fabulous parts about summer approaching in San Diego is packing up and heading to the beach to enjoy the annual Over The Line Tournament, hosted by the Old Mission Beach Athletic Club (OMBAC). This year, OTL-lovers can rejoice in the sport earlier than usual at a brand new mini-tournament and craft beer festival taking place on Saturday, May 20 and Sunday, May 21 at Mariners Point at Mission Bay Park. These kickoff events are separate from the Over the Line World Championships (which take place in July) and aim to garner greater participation in Over the Line, while catering to San Diego’s craft beer-loving community.

On Saturday, May 20 from noon to 4 p.m. there will be a plethora of craft brews for locals to sip on as well as local food trucks to accompany the mini festival event. Participating breweries at this inaugural event include Iron Fist Brewing, Bolt Brewery, Benchmark Brewery, Fall Brewing, Indian Joe Brewing, Left Coast Brewing, Second Chance Brewing, Aztec Brewing, Resident Brewing, Helms Brewing and more.

The OTL mini-tournament will host 125 teams (most of whom are top finishers from last year’s OMBAC World Championships) in a double elimination format with the first rounds taking place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 20. Winning teams will return on May 21 to compete for the title. Divisions included at this years tournament are: Men’s Pro, Men’s Open, Men’s Masters and Women’s Open. The OTL Tournament portion is free to attend.

Beer and alcohol have never been banned and have always been a part of the Over The Line World Championship event at Fiesta Island, which takes place this year on July 8-9 and July 15-16. OMBAC goes through a year-long permit process through the City of San Diego and the City of San Diego to allow for alcohol consumption at the event for those who are 21-and-up.

Vice President of OMBAC, Jeff Johnson said that it just simply makes sense to have a craft beer festival at this sunny, Southern California kick-off event.

“Over the Line and craft beer are two things that are a strong part of San Diego culture and history. It made sense to put them together. It’s a perfect Match,” he said.

General admission tickets, including the four-hour beer tasting, are $30 per person with advance online purchase at eventbrite.com; $40 per person at the gate on the day of event. The craft beer festival event is 21+ only.

For additional information about the craft beer festival or the Over The Line Tournament, visit ombac.org.
Mariner’s Point at Mission Bay Park, 3230 Mariners Way, Mission Bay.