College football season is here, and fans across the country are gearing up to cheer for their favorite teams. Whether you’re watching the game at home, at a bar, or at the stadium, nothing goes better with football than a cold beer. But not just any beer. You want to drink something that represents your region, your conference, and your team spirit.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 10 iconic breweries that are perfect for toasting the Power Five conferences – the five most prominent and highest-earning athletic conferences in college football. These are the breweries that have a strong connection to their local communities, their college campuses, and their football traditions. They also make some of the best beers in the country, from crisp lagers to hoppy IPAs to rich stouts.
So grab a pint, raise a glass, and get ready to celebrate college football season with these 10 iconic breweries.
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. – Pac-12 Conference
The Pac-12 Conference is home to some of the most scenic and diverse landscapes in the country, from the Pacific coast to the Rocky Mountains. It’s also home to some of the most innovative and influential breweries in the craft beer industry, such as Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Founded in 1980 by Ken Grossman, Sierra Nevada is one of the pioneers of American craft brewing, and one of the largest and most respected breweries in the world. Based in Chico, California, Sierra Nevada is known for its flagship Pale Ale, a balanced and flavorful beer that helped popularize the use of Cascade hops. Sierra Nevada also produces a wide range of styles, from seasonal specialties to experimental collaborations.
Sierra Nevada has a strong connection to the Pac-12, as Grossman is an alumnus of UC Davis, and the brewery sponsors several college football events, such as the Rose Bowl and the Holiday Bowl. Sierra Nevada is also committed to environmental sustainability, using solar panels, biodiesel, and water conservation methods to reduce its impact.
Sierra Nevada is a brewery that reflects the spirit of the Pac-12: adventurous, creative, and passionate.
Anheuser-Busch – SEC Conference
The SEC Conference is the powerhouse of college football, boasting some of the most successful and storied programs in the nation. It’s also the home of the king of beers, Anheuser-Busch.
Anheuser-Busch is the largest brewing company in the United States, and the maker of Budweiser, the best-selling beer in the country. Founded in 1852 by Eberhard Anheuser and Adolphus Busch, Anheuser-Busch is based in St. Louis, Missouri, and has 12 breweries across the country, including one in Cartersville, Georgia, near the SEC headquarters.
Anheuser-Busch has a long history of supporting college football, sponsoring the College Football Playoff, the SEC Championship Game, and several bowl games. Anheuser-Busch also produces Bud Light, the official beer of the NFL, and Bud Light Seltzer, a popular choice for tailgating and parties.
Anheuser-Busch is a brewery that represents the dominance of the SEC: big, bold, and classic.
Boulevard Brewing Company – Big 12 Conference
The Big 12 Conference is the newest of the Power Five conferences, formed in 1996 by the merger of the Big Eight and four Texas schools. It’s also the home of Boulevard Brewing Company, one of the most successful and respected craft breweries in the Midwest.
Founded in 1989 by John McDonald, Boulevard is based in Kansas City, Missouri, and is the largest specialty brewer in the region. Boulevard is known for its Unfiltered Wheat Beer, a refreshing and easy-drinking ale that is the best-selling craft beer in the Midwest. Boulevard also offers a variety of styles, from hoppy IPAs to sour ales to barrel-aged beers.
Boulevard has a strong connection to the Big 12, as McDonald is a graduate of the University of Kansas, and the brewery sponsors several college football events, such as the Big 12 Championship Game and the Fiesta Bowl. Boulevard is also a supporter of local causes, donating to charities and organizations that benefit the community.
Boulevard is a brewery that embodies the spirit of the Big 12: friendly, diverse, and quality-driven.
Yuengling Brewery – ACC Conference
The ACC Conference is the oldest of the Power Five conferences, dating back to 1953. It’s also the home of the oldest brewery in America, Yuengling Brewery.
Founded in 1829 by David G. Yuengling, Yuengling is based in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, and is the largest family-owned brewery in the country. Yuengling is known for its Traditional Lager, a smooth and malty beer that is the flagship of the brewery. Yuengling also produces a range of styles, from light lagers to dark porters to seasonal beers.
Yuengling has a strong connection to the ACC, as the brewery has a distribution partnership with several schools in the conference, such as Clemson, Florida State, and Virginia Tech. Yuengling also supports college football through its sponsorship of the College Football Hall of Fame and the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.
Yuengling is a brewery that reflects the heritage of the ACC: historic, loyal, and proud.
Bell’s Brewery – Big Ten Conference
The Big Ten Conference is the most populous and lucrative of the Power Five conferences, spanning 11 states and 14 schools. It’s also the home of Bell’s Brewery, one of the most acclaimed and popular craft breweries in the nation.
Founded in 1985 by Larry Bell, Bell’s is based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and is the largest independent craft brewer in the Midwest. Bell’s is known for its Two Hearted Ale, a hoppy and aromatic IPA that is consistently ranked as one of the best beers in the world. Bell’s also produces a variety of styles, from wheat ales to stouts to fruit beers.
Bell’s has a strong connection to the Big Ten, as Bell is a graduate of Michigan State, and the brewery sponsors several college football events, such as the Big Ten Championship Game and the Citrus Bowl. Bell’s also supports local causes, donating to environmental and educational initiatives.
Bell’s is a brewery that showcases the excellence of the Big Ten: innovative, diverse, and award-winning.
