1996 Classic Pool Tournament

To celebrate the recently refreshed look of East IPA, Brooklyn Brewery is taking it back to 1996 — the year the beer was first launched and quickly became a New York City staple. Nearly three decades later, East IPA is still the same balanced, citrus-forward classic — bold in hop character, crisp in finish, and even more enjoyable shared alongside good friends and a game of pool.

Since the new design captures the grit and energy of the city — from subway cars to corner bars — Brooklyn Brewery is marking the moment with the 1996 Classic Pool Tournament at Parkside Lounge in the Lower East Side. Hosted in the iconic NYC dive bar, expect throwback pricing on East IPA, and a $1,000 championship prize, all in the spirit of local spots where East IPA first earned its reputation.

Event Details:

• Location: Parkside Lounge, 317 E Houston St, New York, NY

• Tournament Style – “Killer Rules”: Each player starts with three strikes and takes one shot per round to pocket any ball on the table. A missed shot or scratch equals one strike. Three strikes and you’re out — the last player remaining is the winner.

• Qualifying Nights: 

  • Format: Maximum 30 players per night (Sign up at Parkside starting at 6PM day-of ; first-come, first-serve)

  • Advancement: Three winners from each night move on to the championship round on October 8th

  • Prizes: There will be special prizes for the winners of every qualifying round.

  • Dates & Times:

• Wednesday, September 17

  • 6–7 PM — Sign-up/Check-in

  • 7–10 PM — Tournament Play

• Wednesday, September 24

  • 6–7 PM — Sign-up/Check-in

  • 7–10 PM — Tournament Play

• Wednesday, October 1

  • 6–7 PM — Sign-up/Check-in

  • 7–10 PM — Tournament Play

     

• Championship Night: Wednesday, October 8

  • Nine finalists will compete for the $1,000 grand prize

     

• Specials:

  • First hour: East IPAs on the house

  • After: $3 East IPA pints until 10pm + giveaways

     

• Tasting Room Bonus: Those who snag a limited-edition 8-Ball keychain at one of the four events can present it at Brooklyn Brewery’s Tasting Room in Williamsburg (79 N 11th St) for $5 East IPA pours through the end of 2025.