As the 2003 baseball season gets underway, Major League Baseball has spent considerable time and effort helping to make attending games an even better experience for fans. For the first time ever, all 28 U.S. Major League Baseball clubs have committed their operations staff to alcohol management training in preparation for the 2003 season under the auspices of the TEAM Coalition, Inc.

TEAM (Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management) is an alliance of professional sports, entertainment facilities, stadium service partners, the beer industry, broadcasters and governmental traffic safety experts working to promote responsible drinking and positive fan behavior at sports facilities. An estimated total of 8,100 ticket takers, ushers, parking lot attendants and security guards will receive alcohol management training under the TEAM program in time for Opening Day on March 31, 2003. Ballpark employees learn to identify the signs of impairment and how to properly interact with guests to circumvent potential problems.

“TEAM’s goal is to make alcohol management training part of every stadium employee’s job – especially the people who take your tickets, help you find your seats, and get you out of the parking lot after the game,” said TEAM Executive Director Jill Pepper. “Participation by all 28 U.S. Major League Baseball Clubs is a tremendous accomplishment, and reflects our commitment to ensuring the safety of baseball fans all over the country.” Donations from Anheuser-Busch, Miller Brewing Company, Coors Brewing Company, and their local distributors ensured that a significant number of employees from each club received training.

As part of the program, TEAM is conducting a public awareness campaign in cooperation with Major League Baseball and the three major brewers that encourages fans to use a designated driver. TEAM has produced public service announcements that will run in-stadium and on TV stations, and developed educational materials including a commemorative poster with photographs of all Major League Baseball ballparks that will be available at designated driver booths in stadiums.

In addition to those mentioned above, TEAM’s membership includes ARAMARK, the Beer Institute, National Association of Broadcasters, National Basketball Association, National Football League, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and National Hockey League.