{image1}Over the past decade, beer drinking transcended mere indulgence; it's become a lifestyle.

Last year alone, 90 million Americans spent nearly $75 billion on beer. Home brewing has reached sky-high popularity and the explosion of micro brews made beer drinking almost as sophisticated as wine consumption.

So it's not surprising that The U.S. Beer Drinking Team and Beer Radio announced their national search to select a city for The Beer Hall of Fame. Nor is it surprising that our very own Brew City is one of 26 cities that made the list.

Each potential host city must meet a long list of criteria. The city must be within 20 miles of a "Top 100" city by population, within 20 miles of a commercial airport, have adequate public interest and adequate is but not mandatory criteria.

"Milwaukee is the best place for The Beer Hall of Fame," says Milwaukee Downtown Executive Director Beth Nicols. "Beer is a part of Milwaukee's heritage and continues to be an aspect of our city's culture."

The Beer Hall of Fame will house fine beer themed restaurants, a collection of beer memorabilia, Beer Radio broadcasting studios, music and entertainment venue, education center, an enormous selection of beer and the actual Beer Hall of Fame.

"The Beer Hall of Fame will place one of these cities on the world map," stated Joe Gardenghi, one of the founders of the Beer Hall of Fame.

It is yet to be announced unclear when the winning city will be chosen or if the "winning" location is responsible for providing the funding.

The U.S. Beer Drinking Team (USBDT), headquartered in Annapolis, Md., is the first nationwide "team" dedicated to the millions of beer drinkers in the United States.

"We believe that beer drinking is a team event," reads USBDT's Web site. "Our goal is to promote the 'brotherhood and sisterhood' of beer in as many ways as possible."

For more information or to cast your vote, go to beerhalloffame.com.