PROVIDENCE, R.I. — November 10, 2025 — Providence College Athletics and Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Company today announced the release of Friar American Golden Ale, an officially licensed craft beer proudly brewed to celebrate the spirit of Friartown. The launch marks the beginning of a multi-year partnership facilitated by Providence Friars Sports Properties, the exclusive multimedia rights holder for Providence College Athletics.
Crafted at Newport Craft’s award-winning brewery in Newport, R.I., Friar American Golden Ale is a smooth, easy drinking 4.5% ABV beer designed for gameday and beyond. The beer debuted at the Friars’ men’s basketball home opener and is now available at athletic events, including men’s basketball and men’s ice hockey games, at select bars and restaurants across Rhode Island, and at liquor stores statewide.
A Partnership Rooted in Rhode Island
Founded in 1999 and revitalized under new ownership in 2017, Newport Craft has become one of Rhode Island’s most recognizable and innovative beverage houses, producing award-winning beer and craft spirits while helping expand the state’s presence in the national beverage market.
“We’re thrilled to bring Friar American Golden Ale to life with Providence College,” said Brendan O’Donnell, CEO at Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Company. “This collaboration reflects our shared passion for community, craft, and the energy of college athletics. Friartown is special, and we’re proud to help fans celebrate it both in the arena and across the state.”
“In this new revenue share world of college athletics, Providence College Athletics is continually looking to create new partnerships that will help us achieve success at the highest levels,” Providence College Athletic Director Steve Napolillo said. “We are excited and grateful to Newport Craft Brewery for this exciting collaboration.”
Supporting Student-Athletes
As part of the partnership, Newport Craft will work collaboratively with Providence Athletics to support a Friar NIL Fund, creating opportunities for Providence student-athletes to engage with the community through autograph sessions, meet-and-greets, brewery appearances, and other promotional programming.
This initiative helps student-athletes directly benefit from their name, image, and likeness while strengthening connections between Providence fans and the athletes who represent them.
The Fan Experience
Friar American Golden Ale joins fans wherever they gather, whether cheering from the stands, enjoying a game at a local bar, or stocking the fridge at home. Newport Craft will also integrate the Friar brand into its newly expanded Newport destination facility, where fans can enjoy events, taproom programming, and exclusive appearances tied to Friar Athletics.
As part of the agreement, the Newport Craft brand will receive integrated visibility at Providence Athletics venues, including:
- TV-visible LED signage during men’s and women’s basketball games
- Dasherboard placements during men’s ice hockey contests
About Friar American Golden Ale
- Style: American Golden Ale
- ABV: 4.5%
- Flavor: Crisp, refreshing, and approachable, brewed for year-round enjoyment
- Availability:
- Providence College Athletics events
- Bars + Restaurants across Rhode Island
- Statewide retail distribution
About Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co.
Founded in 1999, Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Company is a leading Rhode Island craft beverage producer committed to premium quality, innovation, and local community. The company operates a state-of-the-art production facility and taproom in Newport, where guests can enjoy handcrafted beer and spirits, outdoor bars, and an upstairs event space. Newport Craft distributes throughout New England, with growing national reach across both its beer and spirits portfolio.
About Providence Friars Sports Properties
Providence Friars Sports Properties is the exclusive multimedia rightsholder for Providence College Athletics and the local Learfield team that works alongside the athletics administration to support the Friars brand. The team manages all aspects of the rights relationship, providing corporate partners with traditional, digital, experiential, and creative platforms to connect with fans.
Friar American Golden Ale and Providence College Athletics encourage fans 21+ to drink responsibly.