Trial Opens For Iconic Beer Vendor

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A celebrity beer vendor who has been selling suds since the Twins began playing at the Metrodome in 1982 goes on trial Monday in Hennepin County.

Wally "The Beer Man" McNeil is known around Twin Cities' sports venues for his bellowing beer call. He even has his own trading cards and a bobblehead doll. McNeil's selling streak could come to an end. He was among eight stadium workers fired last September for serving underage fans. The vendors say police entrapped them with the concession sting.

McNeil turned down a plea bargain of a one-year suspension from selling alcohol and a $300 fine. McNeil says he'll take his chances on a Hennepin County judge and jury.

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