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13
Apr 2011
Dodgers end half-price beer promotion amid fan beating investigation

Half-price beer will no longer be sold during baseball games at Dodgers Stadium as officials consider a variety of ways to improve safety, the team announced Wednesday.

The promotion, which was set to begin April 21, has been canceled in light of an incident last month in which a Giants fan was brutally beaten after the Dodgers home opener.

The six-game "Throwback" promotion, in which the team will dress in 1940s uniforms, will continue to include half-price food and soft drinks.

The 42-year-old father of two and paramedic remains hospitalized in critical condition in a drug induced coma at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center.

He suffered a severe skull fracture and bruising to his frontal lobe.

Doctors had to remove a portion of Stow's skull to help reduce severe brain swelling. They say it's possible he sustained lasting brain damage.

On Monday, hundreds of people participated in a fundraiser at Dodgers Stadium.

Motorists lined up at the stadium to drop off cash and checks for a relief fund for the hospitalized paramedic. Over $61,000 was collected.

Dodger legend Tommy Lasorda contributed $5,000. He struggled to hold back tears as he handed volunteers the check.

Stow's employer, American Medical Response, raised $140,000 to pay for his medical expenses at a barbecue fundraiser in San Jose on Wednesday.

The Dodgers and the Giants met Monday night for their first game in San Francisco since the attack.

Security was stepped up inside and around AT&T Park to prevent any similar incidents.

Before the game, players from both teams gathered on the pitcher's mound in a show of solidarity.

Dodger's second baseman Jamey Carroll addressed the crowd.

"There's no room in this game for hatred and violence. It is about respect," Carroll said, receiving a loud applause. "This is America's national pastime and let's keep it that way."

In the wake of the attack, Dodgers officials are considering a variety of changes to improve safety, including abandoning a plan to sell half-price beer at six midweek day games beginning April 21.

Beer prices, serving sizes, and serving times are also being scrutinized.

Dodgers owner Frank McCourt also agreed to create a computer mapping and crime tracking system for the stadium similar to the one the LAPD uses to monitor crime patterns and hotspots throughout Los Angeles.

LAPD Chief Charlie Beck vowed to dramatically increase police presence at games after the brutal beating of a visiting fan at the Dodgers home opener.

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