FARGO, N.D. – North Dakota State University has partnered with locally-owned Black Leg Brewery to launch two officially licensed craft beers, Bison Light and Bison Bock. The university branded brews come as a result of a collaboration with the University’s Athletics and Trademark Licensing departments, along with athletic media rights holder LEARFIELD/Bison Sports Properties, licensing agent CLC and Black Leg Brewery.
Bison Light and Bison Bock will be available just in time for kickoff of the first NDSU home game at the FARGODOME on Saturday, Sept. 9. The craft beer will be available in stores and local bars throughout North Dakota.
“We are proud to partner with Black Leg Brewery on this unique offering for NDSU fans,” said Matt Larsen, NDSU Director of Athletics. “Black Leg Ranch’s history goes back as long as that of NDSU and we are thrilled to collaborate with an organization that is steeped in North Dakota history with such a valued presence in the community.”
Black Leg Ranch is a sixth-generation cattle/bison ranch rooted deep in the heart of the West since 1882. Black Leg Brewery takes pride in making quality products with superior local ingredients North Dakotans are accustomed to.
“We value making quality, consistent beer using the best local ingredients, said Jay Doan, Founder of Black Leg Brewery. “The majestic Bison is represented on each can of beer along with the iconic NDSU Bison, as this beer is undoubtedly American-brewed and now the Official Craft Beer of NDSU. The Bison Beer label’s design represents our Western landscape where the thundering bison once roamed by the hundreds of thousands. Black Leg Ranch is honored to share the vision of North Dakota State by ‘Continuing the Championship Tradition of Bison Athletics.’”
“We are excited about this partnership and what it means for NDSU fans,” said Josh Hartman, general manager, LEARFIELD’s Bison Sports Properties. “Both NDSU and Black Leg Ranch have been a part of the North Dakota community for nearly 150 years making it a perfect fit for a collaboration that puts Bison fans at the forefront.”
About NDSU Athletics
North Dakota State University is a student-focused, land-grant, research university located in Fargo, N.D., with an enrollment of approximately 13,000 students. NDSU is a member of The Summit League and Missouri Valley Football Conference with an affiliate membership in the Big 12 Conference for wrestling. NDSU has a storied history of athletic success including 29 team national championships since 1965 in football, women’s basketball, wrestling, softball, men’s cross country and women’s indoor track and field.
About LEARFIELD
LEARFIELD is a media, data, and technology services leader in intercollegiate athletics. The company unlocks the value of college sports for brands and fans through an omnichannel platform with innovative content and commerce solutions. LEARFIELD 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. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for NACDA’s acclaimed LEARFIELD Directors’ Cup, recognizing athletic departments across all divisions.