CLEVELAND, Ohio – Cleveland State Athletics and Thirsty Dog Brewing Co. announced a new partnership today with the launch of Vikings Lager, an officially licensed craft beer of Cleveland State Athletics.

"We are excited to begin a partnership with Thirsty Dog Brewing Co.," Vice President and Director of Athletics Kelsie Gory Harkey said. "With availability on campus, at athletic events and in retail locations, Vikings Lager will give our alumni and supporters another way to celebrate our great university and show their Viking pride."

Vikings Lager is a traditional German Dortmunder-style lager described by Thirsty Dog Brewing Co. as "golden in color, easy drinking, and nicely balanced." The beer will be available both on campus and in stores around Northeast Ohio.

Based in Akron, Ohio, Thirsty Dog Brewing Co. is co-owned by John Najeway and brothers Erik and Ulo Konsen, 1968 and 1970 graduates of Cleveland State University. The brewery prides itself on producing beers that combine full flavor, delicate balance, texture and aroma to make beer an infinitely complex and thoroughly enjoyable experience. The Konsens connection to Cleveland State adds a special significance to the partnership

"We are excited to launch this collaborative project with CSU, two iconic northeast Ohio Institutions," Najeway said. "We love being in our communities and this project ties right in with Viking Brew, a great lager to celebrate the Viking victories. Cheers!"

Cleveland State Athletics and Thirsty Dog Brewing Co. will celebrate the release of Vikings Lager during Cleveland State's Homecoming celebration in which the Vikings' men's program tips off at 1 p.m. and the women's program tips off at 3:30 p.m. Both teams take on Kent State.

Fans ages 21 and older are reminded to enjoy Vikings Lager responsibly.