NEW BERLIN – The opening of the Chobani Champions Field in New Berlin Friday was a success in every way, according to both visitors and staff. The festivities lasted until well after dark and provided entertainment, games and food at no cost.

The process to develop Chobani Champions Field, (formerly known as Fish Field), began over a year and a half ago when the Unadilla Valley Youth Baseball and Softball Association approached Agro Farma about donating funds to do some repairs to the old field. The yogurt manufacturer went much further, donating $300,000 to building a brand-new field, complete with dugouts, a concession stand and announcer’s booth.

The evening began at 5 when the Little League players had an opportunity to meet with former Major League Baseball player Tommy John. At 6, the event became open to the public and food was served compliments of Agro Farma, makers of Chobani yogurt.

According to Kelly LaCorte, the decision to make the food and drink free was made last minute and was intended to give everyone a chance to enjoy themselves. Besides a food tent with chicken spiedies, there was also a tent where visitors could sample frozen greek yogurt, or Fro-Cho, which was conceived specifically for this event.

The event was also an opportunity to unveil Agro Farma’s Chobani travel bus, which is decorated with the Chobani logo and operates as a mobile yogurt dispensary and hot-spot.