Kitchener Panthers debut new ‘alter ego’ to celebrate Oktoberfest

Members of the Kitchener Panthers and Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest posed for a photo in this undated image. (Submitted: Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest)

A Canadian Baseball League team in Kitchener is debuting a new a look and a new ‘alter ego’ to celebrate Oktoberfest even in the middle of summer.

The Kitchener Panthers and Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest announced their partnership on Thursday.

The Panthers will be hosting an “Oktoberfest in July” game on July 23. The ballpark will the transformed in the spirit of the annual Bavarian festival, featuring music, food, and special in-game moments.

The team will also be sporting new jerseys and a new name for the day: they’ll be known as the “Berlin Keg Tappers.”

“This partnership is about bringing the community together,” Shanif Hirani, the Panthers’ general manager, said. “Both organizations have rich history in this region, and this collaboration allows us to celebrate that shared connection with our fans in a fun and unique way.”

More details will be announced closer to game day.