Swinging Bridge Brewing Company in River Falls, Wisconsin, is capitalizing on a historic moment, releasing two limited-edition beers inspired by the University of Wisconsin-River Falls’ NCAA Division III football championship victory. The brewery’s celebration, dubbed the ‘Falcon Red’ and ‘Falcon Flight Light Lager’ series, is already generating significant buzz within the local craft beer community.
A Championship Brew
On January 7, 2026, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that the University of Wisconsin-River Falls football team secured their first national championship title, defeating North Central (Illinois) 24-14 in Canton, Ohio. This landmark win spurred Swinging Bridge Brewing to honor the team with a pair of limited-edition beers.
The Beers Themselves
The lineup includes Falcon Red, a 5.3% ABV red lager, and Falcon Flight Light Lager, a 4.8% ABV full-bodied pale lager. According to Cory Hart, Swinging Bridge Brewing’s manager, the brewery intends to continue printing the labels for as long as supplies last. Hart noted, ‘We wanted to create something that reflected the team’s spirit – bold, confident, and always striving for the win.’
Falcon Red is described as ‘smooth and easy-drinking’ with ‘a subtle malty sweetness balanced by a light bitterness.’ Falcon Flight Light Lager is marketed as ‘a crisp, refreshing brew for both light beer drinkers and craft beer enthusiasts.’ However, it’s important to note that the specific flavor profiles of these beers have not yet been officially confirmed by the brewery.
Giving Back to the Team
Beyond the celebratory aspect, a percentage of every pint sold of the ‘Falcon’ beers goes directly to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and its athletic department, approximately $1 per pint. This adds an extra layer of support to a team that had not reached the title game or made a playoff appearance since 1996.
What This Means for Consumers
This release highlights the increasing trend of breweries aligning themselves with local sports teams and communities. Consumers are often drawn to these collaborations, and the charitable component adds another incentive to support the product. The limited-edition nature of the beers creates a sense of urgency, driving sales and further amplifying the celebration.
Pros and Cons
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Pros:
Supports a local team, creates a unique celebratory beverage, potential for community engagement, charitable contribution.
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Cons:
Limited availability, flavor profiles unconfirmed, potential price point could be higher than standard offerings.
Source:
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, January 7, 2026.
