Sales from the officially licensed and co-branded craft beer to support Friar student-athlete NIL
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Providence Athletics and Union Station Brewery (USB) have announced the release of Friartown IPA – an officially licensed and co-branded craft beer that benefits Friar student-athlete NIL – through a partnership cultivated by exclusive multimedia rights holder Providence Friars Sports Properties.
Friartown is an old school West Coast IPA brewed by Providence fans, for Providence fans. Brimming with American hops for that classic citrus, piney, herbal character, it’s crisp, clean and dry with subtle caramelized malt flavor at 6.6% ABV.
“Friartown IPA is the culmination of a terrific collaboration with a great local partner that is made specifically for Providence fans,” said Steve Napolillo, Providence Vice President & Athletic Director. “We’re ecstatic to have Union Station as part of the Friar family and are very grateful for their support of our student-athletes through NIL. Partnerships like this one with Union Station Brewery are critical in the new landscape of Name, Image and Likness.”
As part of the partnership between USB and Providence Athletics, a percentage of all sales of Friartown IPA statewide will support The Friar Family Collective as NIL contributions for Friar student-athletes.
Union Station also receives various digital and static in-venue signage promoting Friartown IPA, social media integration on official Friars accounts, and mobile app notifications promoting USB.
“Union Station Brewery is very excited to continue our partnership with Providence College and their student-athletes,” said Mike Delehanty, Union Station Brewery Operating Partner. “It’s a perfect pairing of two Providence staples, the college with a rich tradition of scholastic and athletic success, and Providence’s oldest brewery. We look forward to seeing continued success and being a part of it.”
Since 1993, Union Station Brewery has brewed and served its own handcrafted beer alongside classic American tavern fare in the former Union Station train depot. In 2019, a local restauranteurs and bar proprietors purchased USB, transitioning it from a corporate entity to a true Rhode Island brewpub with a neighborhood feel in the heart of Providence.
In addition to being sold at Friar Athletics events at Amica Mutual Pavilion, Alumni Hall and Schneider Arena, Friartown IPA can be purchased at participating liquor stores throughout Rhode Island, various bars and restaurants throughout the state, and at Union Station Brewery’s downtown Providence location.
“Union Station Brewery is a fantastic partner and a great local hotspot serving the Providence community,” said Jeff Guarino, Vice President & General Manager of Providence Friars Sports Properties. “We’re thrilled to continue our relationship with them and can’t wait to see our fans enjoying a Friartown IPA on gameday.”
Union Station Brewery and Providence Athletics worked closely to develop this partnership with athletics multimedia rights holder Providence Friars Sports Properties, the locally based team of Learfield – the media and technology company powering college athletics – and CLC, a division of Learfield and Providence’s exclusive trademark licensing agent.
Union Station Brewery and Providence College encourage fans 21+ to drink responsibly.
About Union Station Brewery
Located in the heart of downtown Providence in the former, historic Providence Union Railroad Station, Union Station Brewery offers classic American tavern food made from the freshest ingredients, a diverse and rotating selection of exceptional beers that are brewed on-site, a growing line of canned beers available in 4-packs to-go, as well as a full bar.
About Learfield
Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield’s presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.