North Dakota State University has partnered with Black Leg Brewery located in McKenzie, North Dakota 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.”