AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University and local brewer Backpocket Brewing have teamed up to launch Clone Fest, the first officially licensed craft beer of the Iowa State Cyclones.
Clone Fest will be introduced by Backpocket Brewing at a public launch event on Friday, July 14, from 3 to 7 p.m. at its Pin and Pixel location at 6205 Merle Hay Road in Johnston, Iowa. There will be sampling, give-a-ways, and Cyclone specials.
“We are extremely honored and excited to partner with Iowa State University on an officially licensed craft beer for Cyclone Nation,” said Aaron Vargas, Backpocket Brewing Managing Partner. “Our family has strong ties to the University, and we wanted to create a craft beer that can help support Iowa State University and all that it represents. My wife, Jenny, is an alumna and couldn’t be more excited to represent her alma mater!”
A traditional, golden festbier lager, Clone Fest will be available on draft at Backpocket Brewing locations and in Iowa State branded cans at participating retailers seasonally across the state of Iowa from August through October. Fans can also sample Clone Fest in the Iowa Craft Beer Tent during Day 4 of RAGBRAI (Ames to Des Moines) on July 26, and at the Iowa State Fair, August 10-20.
“We are excited to work with Backpocket Brewing, a supportive, community business with ties to multiple ISU alumni, to deliver this new branded craft beer to our passionate Cyclone fans,” said Leesha Arunsiripate Zimmerman, ISU’s Director of Trademark Licensing. “ISU fans can now enjoy Clone Fest with friends while showing off their team spirit.”
The university-branded craft beer was developed in collaboration with ISU’s trademark licensing and athletic departments, its licensing agency, CLC, and its athletics multimedia rights holder, LEARFIELD. Backpocket Brewing will also serve as a sponsor of Cyclone Athletics through an enhanced activation with LEAFIELD’s Cyclone Sports Properties. Royalties from the sale of Clone Fest craft beer will go back to the university to support a variety of initiatives.
“We are excited about this partnership and what it means for our fans as Backpocket Brewing is no stranger to the craft beer space,” added Chris Andrews, VP and General Manager of Cyclone Sports Properties said. “This brand over the years has been growing in popularity while doing so in a crowded marketplace. Our hopes are that this partnership will continue to grow and allow fans to partake in a great seasonal product.”
For more information on Clone Fest and participating retailers, visit https://clonefest.backpocketbrewing.com/
About Iowa State University
Considered the nation’s most student-centered public research university, Iowa State University is home to nearly 30,000 students. With six undergraduate colleges, a graduate college, and a college of Veterinary medicine, students have access to more than 100 programs of study and 800 student clubs and organizations. It is known worldwide for its excellence in science and technology, discovery and innovation; and its student-centered culture with faculty and staff who are dedicated to student success.
About Backpocket Brewing
Backpocket Brewing is a family owned and operated craft brewery that strives to make world class beer in the state of Iowa. Established as a brewing operation in NE Iowa in 2008 as Old Man River Restaurant and Brewery, Backpocket Brewing was officially launched in 2012 in Coralville’s Iowa River Landing. The brewery has grown to become a staple in the Iowa Craft Beer community and opened two additional taproom locations in Dubuque and Johnston.
About CLC
CLC is the nation’s leading collegiate trademark licensing company with a mission to elevate college brands through insight and innovation. The company is uniquely positioned to deliver consumer connections and brand visibility for institutions through data-based, customized solutions that include impactful licensed merchandise strategies and innovative marketing platforms to navigate the ever-evolving consumer and retail marketplace. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, CLC is guided by values to serve others, build trust, lead well, innovate often, and be passionate. Founded in 1981, CLC is a part of LEARFIELD, the leading media and technology services company in intercollegiate athletics.
About LEARFIELD
LEARFIELD is a media, data, and technology services leader in intercollegiate athletics. Its locally based Cyclone Sports Properties team is solely dedicated to representing the Cyclones. LEARFIELD unlocks the value of college sports for brands and fans through an omnichannel platform with innovative content and commerce solutions. Its services include licensing and collegiate sports properties’ multimedia sponsorship management; publishing, audio, digital and social media; data analytics and insights; ticketing software; and ticket sales, premium seating, and fundraising services; branding; campus-wide business and sponsorship development; and venue technology systems. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for NACDA’s acclaimed LEARFIELD Directors’ Cup, recognizing athletic departments across all divisions.