(St. Louis, MO) TEAM Coalition (Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management) proudly recognized this year's training award winners at the 2008 MLB industry meetings. In addition, the Clubs with the most fans pledging to be designated drivers during the 2008 season also earned awards from TEAM.

TEAM Coalition is a unique alliance of professional and collegiate sports, entertainment facilities, concessionaires, stadium service providers, the beer industry, broadcasters, governmental traffic safety experts, and others working together to promote responsible drinking and positive fan behavior at sports and entertainment facilities.

“We’re especially proud of the breadth of the winners of our training awards this season,” said Jill Pepper, TEAM executive director. “To have so many winners, several that have been recognized in previous years and many who are first time winners is a testament to the value of the training and its positive impact on fan behavior.”

In 2008, over 33,000 employees from nearly 100 facilities became certified in the training. Major League Baseball operations employees (ushers, ticket takers, and guest services representatives) and the employees of concessionaires represented nearly 70% of that total.

Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig said, “Alcohol management training is vital to making our ball parks a safe, fan-friendly place for our great fans, and I congratulate these seven MLB clubs for being recognized by the TEAM Coalition.”