SFA, Fredonia Brewery collaborate to create Purple Lights lager

FROM LEFT: Jack Sullivan ’06 & ’08, Fredonia Brewery operations manager; Ryan Ivey, SFA athletics director; Paul Murray, Fredonia Brewery partner and Wally Crittenden, SFA associate athletics director for business development and revenue generation, enjoy a glass of Purple Lights lager at the brewery. Photo by Gabrielle Czapla ’20

STORY BY DONNA PARISH ’99 & ’07

AS FOOTBALL SEASON

and fall approached, SFA and Nacogdoches-based Fredonia Brewery launched Purple Lights, an American lager with a touch of sweetness and crisp finish, to help Lumberjacks throughout Texas celebrate the university’s athletic victories and other special moments.

“What an exciting time for Jack Nation and SFA,” Ryan Ivey, SFA’s athletics director, said. “This has been a fun project to be involved with — from concept to execution — and provides a great opportunity for alumni, fans and all of those associated with SFA to stay connected and celebrate those ‘purple lights’ moments wherever they may be.”

The lager’s name pays tribute to the university’s longstanding tradition of displaying purple lights on campus when its athletic teams are victorious. Alumni may recall the lights illuminating the night sky above Steen Hall and in the clock outside the Baker Pattillo Student Center.

“It’s the perfect reflection of what the purple lights represent: winning!” said Richard Hurtado ’06 of Houston. The beverage is available on tap at the Fredonia Brewery. Regional and statewide distribution is taking place throughout the fall. “It’s been incredibly exciting for Fredonia Brewery to have the opportunity to brew SFA’s official beer,” said Paul Murray, a partner with Fredonia Brewery. “I think our collaboration will be a huge success, and I cannot wait to get it into the hands of Ladyjack and Lumberjack fans.” A portion of the sales benefits the SFA general licensing fund, which helps support student-athletes and SFA Athletics.

“From the minute we began our conversations with Fredonia Brewery representatives, their passion, independent mentality and attention to designing a great-tasting custom flavor attracted us to this project,” Wally Crittenden, SFA associate athletics director, said.

Fans interested in Purple Lights are encouraged to ask their favorite grocery stores and restaurants to request the beverage from their distributors.

Requests also can be emailed to sales@fredoniabrewery.com. ★