Buffalo Rock Pepsi Gets Pouring Rights at Northport’s New River Run Park

A familiar Pepsi distributor with deep roots in the West Alabama community has been named the official pouring partner at Northport's soon-to-debut River Run Park.

At a Monday night meeting, the Northport City Council approved several contracts for the management of the premier nine-field baseball and softball complex the city is finishing on the banks of the Black Warrior River.

City leaders have estimated the Park could draw more than half a million visitors annually.

READ MORE: Additional Coverage of River Run Park from the Thread

Among them was a five-year agreement giving Buffalo Rock exclusive pouring rights at the ballpark. Tournaments are expected to begin soon after the ribbon-cutting there, which is scheduled for August.

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“At Buffalo Rock, we believe that investing in communal spaces like River Run Park isn’t just about baseball and softball, it’s about creating a vibrant future for Northport and the surrounding area," said Chris Gunter, the Tuscaloosa Franchise General Sales Manager at Buffalo Rock. "We’re excited to bring our legendary service and passion for excellence to this partnership, creating a place where families, businesses, and dreams all come together.”

Elected officials and administrators from Buffalo Rock celebrated the news at a Tuesday afternoon press conference at the ballpark, where finishing touches are underway on its nine tournament-ready baseball and softball fields.

“We are thrilled to announce partnership with Buffalo Rock at our new sports complex, River Run Park. This partnership reflects Buffalo Rock’s commitment to helping the City of Northport create a more vibrant, inclusive community while building spaces that bring people together," said Northport Council President Christy Bobo. "Buffalo Rock has long demonstrated its dedication to West Alabama through unprecedented support of community initiatives, women’s empowerment, and inclusion."

The Park will serve as the anchor of the broader 300-acre Northport Shore recreational complex, which could eventually also feature stores and at least one hotel, plus volleyball, pickleball and basketball courts.

That promise of long-term growth made River Run Park an easy partner for Buffalo Rock, their Corporate Director of External Affairs and Community Engagement Fitzgerald Washington said in a press release.

“River Run Park is more than a ballpark; it’s a beacon for economic growth and community pride," Washington said. "This partnership with Buffalo Rock will help elevate River Run as a destination for memorable events, boosting our local economy and reinforcing Northport’s reputation as a great place to live."

Birch Dalton, the project's master developer, was also on site Tuesday to celebrate how the park is shaping up - and it is a truly impressive complex, offering incredible views of the Black Warrior River, the Oliver Lock & Dam, Tuscaloosa's Western Riverwalk and more.

For more coverage of development at River Run Park, Northport Shore and on other major projects coming soon to West Alabama, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.