Preliminary identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
A pair of commemorative plastic stadium cups featuring a festive 'ugly sweater' motif that blends holiday cheer with summer baseball. These were produced for the popular 'Christmas Ale in July' promotion, a beloved regional tradition in Northeast Ohio.
Story
In 2021, Cleveland's baseball team was in its final season as the 'Indians' before rebranding. These cups capture a fleeting moment where the city's favorite winter brew met the summer heat at Progressive Field.
Maker / Origin
Great Lakes Brewing Company, founded in 1988, is Ohio's first craft brewery and a pioneer of the movement. Whirley DrinkWorks! is a Pennsylvania-based manufacturer famous for creating the iconic reusable cups found in theme parks and stadiums worldwide.
Condition & Value
The cups appear to be in excellent, lightly used condition with no significant fading to the graphics. Maintaining the clarity of the 'Whirley' mark on the bottom suggests they haven't been through high-heat dishwashers excessively. Excellent condition preserves the modest collectible value.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.