Happy Valley United, the official name, image and likeness collective of Penn State student-athletes, and Williamsport-based New Trail Brewing Co. will partner on State Light, with $1.50 per case of State Light will be sent to benefit Penn State student-athletes through Happy Valley United.
Since State Light launched in August 2023, Penn State fans have purchased over 10,000 cases, according to a news release. Now, with every purchase, over 850 Penn State student-athletes gain more NIL support through the partnership.
“Since even before New Trail’s inception, our founders have had deep roots in State College with their various endeavors,” Don Rieck, New Trail’s marketing director, said, according to the news release. “We brew in nearby Williamsport. Our city’s hotels fill up with fans traveling in for game weekends. Everywhere you go, you’ll see everyone getting tailgate ready. There’s nothing quite like Penn State Athletics and we’re proud to help support student-athletes through Happy Valley United with proceeds from our favorite beer to drink while watching them play. State Light will be your first-round draft pick all year long.”
State Light, a light lager, is available in 16-ounce cans at every concession stand in Beaver Stadium, in the Bryce Jordan Center for various events as well as beer retailers across Pennsylvania in six-packs. Penn State fans can also find State Light on tap at restaurants and bars in Happy Valley and across the state. Cans will soon feature the Happy Valley United logo and the designation, “Official Beer of Happy Valley United.”
“Our partnership with New Trail signals a buy-in by local businesses to Penn State student-athletes,” Jen Ferrang, Happy Valley United general manager of development and corporate partnerships, said, according to the news release. “New Trail’s generosity aligns with our vision to support NIL opportunities at Penn State for all student-athletes and gives Nittany Nation the opportunity to show their support on game day.”
Fans and alumni traveling to State College for Homecoming Week and the Oct. 14 football game against UMass as well as any other athletic event in Happy Valley can find State Light at popular downtown bar locations such as McLanahan’s Downtown Market, Doggie’s Pub, Bill Pickle’s Tap Room, Champs Downtown, Primanti Bros, Cafe 210 West and more.
“State Light is brewed for fans of college athletics and beer,” Mike LaRosa, New Trail owner and director of brewing operations, said, according to the news release. “Our State Light is perfect for taking you through tailgate and right into the stadium, watching a game at a bar or sharing with friends at your watch party. We’ve developed the perfect balance in this 4.2% abv, 105 calorie light lager.”
“The best thing about State Light is that you can now drink beer while making an impact for Nittany Lion student-athletes,” Jon Hoey, New Trail director of sales, said, according to the news release. “Happy Valley United provides them with opportunities and keeps the programs competitive. You can expect our team, the Happy Valley United team and other Penn State faithful all over the state cheering and celebrating our commitment to student-athletes with State Light.”
