Minneapolis, MN (June 22, 2016) – The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA), Minnesota Vikings, SMG and Aramark, the exclusive hospitality partner and dining services provider for U.S. Bank Stadium, today announced a strategic collaboration with the Twin Cities' Northeast Brewers and Distillers Association (NEBDA) to curate a craft beer destination at U.S. Bank Stadium.
As part of the arrangement, Aramark's M Hospitality will work with the NEBDA, a trade association organized by the breweries and distilleries with taprooms in Northeast Minneapolis, to showcase members' local craft beer at U.S. Bank Stadium at an NEBDA-branded craft beer portable cart. Initially, the NEBDA beer program will consist of a rotation of select brews for each event. The NEBDA craft beer menu will complement a wider selection of microbrews that will be available throughout the stadium as well as supplement offerings from MillerCoors, including beers from Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company from nearby Chippewa Falls, WI and the Blue Moon Brewing Company. MillerCoors is a Founding Partner of U.S. Bank Stadium and the official beer partner of the Vikings.
"Minnesota's craft beer culture is among the most prolific in the country and today's announcement is another key component of the world-class food and beverage program being developed for U.S. Bank Stadium," said Michele Kelm-Helgen, Chair of the MSFA. "This collaboration with our local breweries reinforces our commitment to incorporating local tastes and flavors into the menu and giving homegrown brands an opportunity to showcase their products at the new, state-of-the-art facility."
"Minnesotans are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about craft beer and this innovative alliance with the NEBDA enables us to leverage their expertise and offer a selection of local beer that appeals to guests attending events at U.S. Bank Stadium," said Jamie Hodgson, General Manager of Aramark's M Hospitality. "We look forward to working with the NEBDA to create a designated craft beer destination that further accentuates the distinctive tastes of the Twin Cities available throughout the stadium."
Among the NEBDA breweries that will be featured are Fair State Brewing Cooperative, NorthGate Brewing, Insight Brewery, Sociable Cider Werks, Bauhaus Brew Labs, and 56 Brewing.
"Northeast Minneapolis has emerged as the epicenter of Minnesota's craft beer movement and we are incredibly excited to be able to showcase the variety and quality of beer produced by NEBDA member breweries," said Evan Sallee, CEO Fair State Brewing Cooperative and member of the NEBDA Board of Directors. "We appreciate the opportunity Aramark's M Hospitality, the MSFA, Vikings and SMG are providing smaller breweries to offer our product at U.S. Bank Stadium and thank them for doing something different and unique that will set this stadium apart from other sports facilities."
Craft beer from other local breweries, such as Summit, 612 Brew, Surly Brewing Company, Lake Monster, Lift Bridge, Fulton and Finnegans, will also be available throughout the stadium.
M Hospitality, powered by Aramark, embodies the distinctive traits and characteristics of U.S. Bank Stadium and will offer a modern and memorable culinary and hospitality experience for all. Whether for fans on game day or to those who are attending catered, special events year-round, the highest level of service and quality will be provided throughout the stadium.
