Tag Archives: Battle of San Bernardino

SAN BERNARDINO: Iron Maiden brings beer and music to Devore

TROOPER is the new ale from Iron Maiden and Robinsons Brewing. (Contributed Image)

TROOPER is the new ale from Iron Maiden and Robinsons Brewing. (Contributed Image)

When you think Iron Maiden just can’t get any more metal, the band goes and gets its own beer.

In my interview with Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain about the Battle of San Bernardino, one of the things that came up was the band’s beer, TROOPER Ale (all caps required on TROOPER, kind of like ABBA).

The name comes from the Maiden classic, “The Trooper.” Lead singer Bruce Dickinson helmed the craft ale on the Maiden front and worked with Robinsons Brewery.

“Although we’ve got our name and Bruce designed the beer with Robinsons Brewery, it’s a stand alone good drop,” McBrain said.

He stressed that the beer is a real ale, not a lager and that it’s brewed to be opened and enjoyed at room temperature rather than cold. McBrain said he even has a bottle or two after the show.

“Really,it’s a beautiful darker-tasting beer,” he said.

Rumor is that you just might be able to try it for yourself if you’re going to the Battle of San Bernardino at San Manuel Amphitheater in Devore on Friday, Sept. 13.

Here’s a video about Iron Maiden and the beer.

SAN BERNARDINO: Prepare for Iron Maiden traffic

Iron Maiden will perform at San Manuel Amphitheater in Devore on Sept. 13. (John McMurtrie/Contributed Image)

Iron Maiden will perform at San Manuel Amphitheater in Devore on Sept. 13. (John McMurtrie/Contributed Image)

Headed to The Battle of San Bernardino with Iron Maiden on Friday? You might want to plan on getting there early.

San Manuel Amphitheater operator Live Nation is already warning that the fest is going to cause insane traffic delays (and if you know how much the Inland Empire loves metal, especially Iron Maiden, you know the threat is real). The parking lots and box office will open at 10 a.m. Gates open at 1 p.m. and the music starts at 2 p.m.

(Also, the music is going to start on the concourse with Overkill and Warbringer at 2 p.m. I’m imagining getting a pretzel and headbanging with Overkill right now.)

Live Nation is offering deals as a “get there early” incentive. There will be a “3 Before 3” promotion at at the venue’s concession booths where you can hot dogs, small sodas and water will be available for $3 each between 1 and 3 p.m.

RELATED: Interview with Iron Maiden

However, you aren’t a (power)slave to the concession stands. You can bring in your own water (in individual sealed bottles up to 20 ounces) for the show. They will take the caps off when you enter. Multiple bottles are allowed within reason, but don’t try to smuggle in a 12-pack. They also can’t be frozen.

Food is allowed if you bring it in a one-gallon, clear plastic bag.

You can bring in sunblock (lotion only), matches and personal still photo cameras.

There are a bunch of things you can’t bring in, though. Here’s the list:

  • No water bottles larger than one gallon
  • No 12 or 24-Packs of water
  • No frozen water bottles
  • No lawn chairs
  • No blankets
  • No lighters
  • No ice chests or coolers
  • No spray-on sunblock
  • No backpacks
  • No camel packs
  • No fireworks
  • No bottles or cans
  • No umbrellas
  • No stickers
  • No pets
  • No laser pointers
  • No audio or video recording devices
  • No professional photo cameras (nothingwith a detachable lens)
  • No weapons
  • No pepper spray
  • No large metal keychains or wallet chains
  • No sharp or spiked accessories
  • No skateboards
  • No tailgating

Beware, if you are coming up on the 215, there is construction on the Devore Road exit.