After 52 legendary years of unforgettable football, icy tailgates, and game-winning memories, the Buffalo Bills are preparing to say goodbye to their current stadium — and Labatt Blue Light is raising a can to celebrate it all.

Introducing Labatt Blue Light Stadium Shandy, a limited-edition blueberry lemon shandy that’s as bittersweet as the closing of the stadium. Crafted with real lemon juice and natural blueberry flavor, it’s a tribute to decades of die-hard fandom.

“Bills fans don’t just watch football — they live it. This shandy was made to toast every epic tailgate, last-second win, and unforgettable Sunday shared in that stadium,” said Jason Folaron, brand manager for Labatt USA. “We wanted to create something that tastes like the moment — sweet for what’s ahead, a little bitter to leave it behind.”

Available in July, this special release comes in three collectible can designs, each commemorating iconic moments at One Bills Drive. From games like the “Snow Bowl,” “The Greatest Comeback,” and “The Perfect Offensive Game,” every can is a nod to the heart-pounding highlights that made Bills Mafia what it is today.

Fans can find Labatt Blue Light Stadium Shandy in 12-packs of 12oz cans, with each 12-pack featuring one of the three exclusive designs. Available across New York State for a limited time.

Keep your eyes peeled for exclusive in-stadium activations, on premise samplings, social giveaways, and a Buffalo Bills flyaway sweepstakes. And don’t forget to collect all three can designs — because just like the old stadium, once they’re gone, they’re gone.

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Get ready to tee off the summer with Labatt Beer and the iconic arcade game, Golden Tee Golf. Labatt is bringing the greens to the bar scene with a brand-new partnership that invites fans to swing, sip, and score all summer long. To celebrate, Labatt is bringing back the seasonal sensation, Labatt Blue Light Raspberry Lemon, the fruit-flavored light pilsner that quickly became a fan favorite.

With over 1,000,000 unique yearly players and more than 200,000 units sold since its release in 1989, Golden Tee has been a staple in bars for decades, just like Labatt. “This partnership is about celebrating the rituals that happen after the round,” said Jason Folaron, brand manager for Labatt USA. “Whether its trash talk over an arcade game or toasting a long day on the course, Labatt wants to own that moment with fans.”

As part of the partnership, select bars across the Great Lakes region will feature co-branded Golden Tee and Labatt promotions, Labatt branded Golden Tee Go giveaways, and sampling pop-ups set to bring out the playful side of beer drinkers and gamers alike.

Returning just in time for Memorial Day weekend, Labatt Blue Light Raspberry Lemon is brewed with a blend of natural raspberry and lemon flavors for a bright, refreshing, easy-drinking experience. Whether you’re birdieing virtual holes or watching your buddy triple bogey in real life, Labatt Blue Light Raspberry Lemon is the drink to toast the round.

People loved this beer last year, and we’re thrilled to bring it back with even more energy thanks to the Golden Tee partnership,” added Folaron. “It’s light, flavorful, and made for moments when the game’s over, but the fun’s just getting started.”

Labatt Blue Light Raspberry Lemon is a premium light pilsner brewed with a blend of natural raspberry and lemon flavor that’s easy drinking and extremely refreshing. Labatt Blue Light Raspberry Lemon is available in 12 and 30-packs of 12-ounce cans across N.Y., O.H., M.I., P.A., and V.T.

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“Labatt Blue Light Raspberry Lemon truly feels like summer in a can: it’s bright, refreshing, and easy to drink on a hot day,” said Jason Folaron, brand manager for Labatt USA. “We had a lot of fun with this product, not only with its great flavor, but with its packaging. You’ll see various scenes of golf, including a golf ball wrapped in lemon rind paired with a raspberry, really driving home the flavor profile of this beer.”

Labatt Blue Light Raspberry Lemon Coined the “Unofficial Sponsor of the 19^th Hole”

Released just in time for Memorial Day, Labatt Blue Light Raspberry Lemon sets its sights on becoming a summer staple for golfers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Labatt has aptly coined the new product the “Unofficial Sponsor of the 19^th Hole,” inviting everyone to celebrate their hot summer days with a refreshing can of Blue Light Raspberry Lemon.

“Blue Light Raspberry Lemon is the perfect drinking buddy to enjoy with your crew this summer,” said Jason Folaron, brand Manager for Labatt USA. “Whether it’s after a day on the course or enjoying a back yard hang, we wanted to craft something that beer fans are excited to reach for after a day in the sun.”

Labatt Blue Light Raspberry Lemon is available in stores across N.Y., O.H., M.I., P.A., and V.T., in 12 and 30-packs of 12-ounce cans while supplies last. Labatt fans are encouraged to participate in the summer rewards program while enjoying Labatt Blue Light this season! Scan the “Labatt Summer Rewards” QR code on 24 and 30-packs of Labatt Blue Light to create an account and learn more.

About Labatt Blue Light Raspberry Lemon

Labatt Blue Light Raspberry Lemon is a premium light pilsner brewed with a blend of natural raspberry and lemon flavor that’s easy drinking and extremely refreshing. Labatt Blue Light Raspberry Lemon is available in 12 and 30-packs of 12-ounce cans across N.Y., O.H., M.I., P.A., and V.T.

For more information, please go to: https://www.fifcousa.com/

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FIFCO USA, parent-company of the Genesee Brewery and Labatt USA, recently announced plans to invest $50 million over three years to create a world-class packaging facility, as well as add capabilities and capacity for innovation to attract new contract manufacturing clients and supplement the Canadian supply of Labatt Blue and Labatt Blue Light. Earlier today, New York state announced a $7 million capital grant through Empire State Development to support the project.

“Demand for Labatt Blue and Labatt Blue Light beer has outpaced our supply from Canada. Last year, we began working to develop a plan to continue modernizing our Rochester brewery while building its capacity to accommodate more volume,” said Piotr Jurjewicz, CEO, FIFCO USA. “We’re transforming our canning and innovation capabilities, adding tanks and upgrading equipment to grow our business and create a more efficient and sustainable operation.”

Along with its own brands, the brewery produces alcoholic beverages for a variety of leading companies across the U.S. Over the last 15 years, the Genesee Brewery has undergone $215 million in modernization and upgrades, including the installation of a world-class brewing system in 2018. The recent project is phase two of a company plan to modernize the brewery and position it for long-term growth in a competitive industry.

“New York state’s commitment to our brewery cemented our decision to invest $50 million to modernize and expand our capabilities,” Jurjewicz. “On behalf of hundreds of local employees, we’re thankful for Governor Hochul’s support and we are excited about the next chapter of our storied history.”

About Brewing Labatt Blue and Blue Light in Rochester

Kevin Hryclik, Labatt USA Brewmaster in Canada, worked with the Rochester Brewing Team to ensure a perfect match. Hryclik, a 40-year Labatt employee, said consistency is key when brewing in multiple locations.

“We have done extensive taste and sensory testing to ensure we deliver the same great taste and quality standards,” said Hryclik. “It’s typical to brew in multiple locations. It comes down to using the same recipe and sourcing the same raw ingredients to maintain the brand’s distinctive flavor.”

The first shipments of select packages of Labatt Blue and Blue Light beer leave the brewery today for distribution in New York and Pennsylvania.

For more information: https://www.fifcousa.com.

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Dreaming of sunshine, sports and ice-cold beer? Labatt has you covered… Labatt is eager to bring back its Parks and Rec program to Buffalo this spring!

After a wildly successful first year, with more than 30 adult rec teams sponsored and over $50,000 invested in community parks, Labatt is ready to do it all again! The Labatt Parks and Rec program will offer sponsorships for adult recreational teams, as well as micro-grants for the places people come together – community parks. Labatt will also host volunteer events to keep parks clean, updated and in repair.

“Winters are harsh, we’re all ready for some fun. We want to get our fans excited about knocking it out of the park with their teams this season,” said Inga Grote-Ebbs, brand director for Labatt USA. “We want to sponsor their teams AND clean up their parks!”

Interested adult recreational teams are encouraged to apply for a Labatt sponsorship now through April 28 at https://parksandrec.labattusa.com/. Selected teams will be awarded $500 to use toward league dues or any other team needs as well as limited edition Labatt Parks and Rec branded merchandise. The Labatt Parks and Rec website will showcase the teams, volunteer work and community investment in Buffalo.

Labatt is part of a company that embraces a triple bottom line approach to business.

“We know the awesome impact that’s made on our communities when we take care of our people and our environment,” said Jason Folaron, brand manager for Labatt USA. “We’re honored to have the opportunity to make an impact again this year.”

About Labatt Parks and Rec Grant Program

Labatt will invest in and revitalize the parks where communities gather, celebrate, and most of all, play! In its first year, the Labatt Parks and Rec program awarded over $50,000 in grants. This year, Labatt will continue that momentum by awarding more grants to parks and urban spaces in Buffalo to assist with revitalization needs. No need is too small! If awarded a Labatt grant, Labatt will organize volunteer opportunities for select green-space revitalization projects.

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Labatt and the Buffalo Sabres are taking an icy trip back to the late 90’s with retro cans during the hockey season, highlighting the fan-favorite, black and red throwback Goathead jersey, which the team originally wore from 1996 until 2006. These limited-edition cans are available in both Labatt Blue and Labatt Blue Light.

The Sabres wore the jerseys for 12 games during the 2022-23 season, going 10-1-1. During the original Goathead era, the Sabres compiled a record of 345-249-90-24 over 9 seasons, averaged 89.333 points per season, logged 6 playoff appearances, 3 Conference Finals and one trip to the Stanley Cup Finals, which we will not be discussing in this article (yes, it still stings).

“I watched [Michael] Peca and [Dominik] Hasek completely dominate the ice in these jerseys,” says Corey Berger, associate brand manager for Labatt USA. “Sabres fans love that energy, and they loved that era on the ice. We know these nostalgic jersey cans, along with the return of the iconic black and red jerseys, will put that energy in the fans hands this season.”

The red and black Goathead edition of the classic Labatt Blue and Labatt Light packaging is a continuation of a tenured relationship between the brewery and the Sabres, one that dates back nearly two decades. Berger says this collaboration was just the next step of that partnership.

“The relationship between Labatt and the Buffalo has been a long-standing one, a partnership that started back in 2007,” Berger says. “Labatt has become this brand that’s synonymous with hockey and with our marketing headquarters based right here in Buffalo, it felt like a natural fit when this partnership kicked off. One of the things that we pride ourselves on, you see it this year and in years past, is being so tied into the community and knowing what fans want, because we are them ourselves. The opportunity to bring these jerseys, this logo back, and create this really unique display opportunity was something we were really excited about. But we can’t thank the Sabres enough; they were a key factor in bringing this to life.”

As a nod to the primary black and red jerseys from the late 1990’s to early 2000’s, the cans feature the iconic Sabres “Goathead” on the front and back of the cans.

“When it comes to the [Sabres] Goathead, we know there are going to be fans on both sides, but there’s so much positive association tied to that jersey from the 90s,” Berger says. “While there is a commemorative angle to it, it was something we could customize and make our own a little bit. We’ve done the traditional home and away jerseys on cans in the past and leaning into the alternate, retro look was something we were excited to do.”

The Goathead Blue and Blue Light Jersey cans are available now throughout Western New York in 18 packs of 12oz. cans, as well as 24oz. cans.

Berger adds that the Labatt-Sabres themed can art is something both sides look to continue into the future. In fact, he says the two sides are already looking ahead to next season in terms of what’s next, adding that he has a strong feeling the Goathead cans might stick around. And if they don’t, whatever comes next with be ‘exciting.’

“To be honest, everything is on the table,” he says. “We are always looking for new and unique ways to bring these hockey cans to market in time for the season and get everyone excited. Whatever it may be, we have a really strong relationship with the Sabres.”

There are only a pair of games left this season in which the Sabres will wear the Goathead jerseys – March 30 against the Toronto Maple Leafs and April 2 against the Washington Capitals.

Brian Campbell is co-founder and Brand Manager of the Buffalo Beer League, and writes the weekly Buffalo Beer Buzz column. If you have beer news that should be included in the Beer Buzz, Brian can be reached at brian@buffalobeerleague.com, on Twitter (@buffbeerleague), Instagram (@buffalobeerleague), and Facebook (@thebuffalobeerleague).

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Hey Bills Mafia, where else would you rather “tea?!” Labatt Blue Light is releasing Throwback Tea, a non-carbonated red raspberry hard iced tea, featuring the iconic red helmet on its packaging. Newly named the official sponsor of Bills Mafia, Throwback Tea brings today’s fans the intensity and nostalgia of the Bills’ teams from the 1990’s while they cheer on their favorite team.

“There is no group of fans more passionate than Bills Mafia,” said Corey Berger, associate brand manager for Labatt USA. “I’m right there with them. I still love rewatching clips of Bruce Smith destroying the competition and Jim Kelly’s K-Gun offense. Throwback Tea is all about celebrating Bills dominance then and now.”

Labatt Blue Light Throwback Tea, which is the third product collaboration between Labatt and the Buffalo Bills, will be available in stores later this week just in time to pre-game the pre-season.

Labatt Celebrates Bills Mafia with Throwback Look

“The support from Labatt fans and Bills Mafia has been so incredible over the past two seasons,” said Berger. “They show up for every new Labatt release during football season. This year, we wanted to bring them a product that not only connects to the game on the field, but also is designated as an official sponsor of Bills Mafia.”

The red helmet graphic includes blue and white stripes, anchored by the Buffalo Bills logo. First introduced in 1974, the charging blue buffalo logo celebrates its 50^th year anniversary during the 2023/2024 season.

“Labatt Blue and Labatt Blue Light continue to be fan favorites for all of Bills Mafia that can drink responsibly,” said Dan Misko, senior vice president of business development for the Buffalo Bills. “Labatt, with US headquarters right here in Buffalo, NY, has always done a great job understanding our fan base and debuting innovative drinks that are coveted all season long.  Throwback Tea is our third product collaboration together and we are excited for Bills Mafia to enjoy as the Bills season begins this August.”

Labatt Blue Light Throwback Tea will be available in stores this week across New York State and Pennsylvania. It will be available in 12-packs of 12-ounce cans and single 24-ounce cans while supplies last.

About Labatt Blue Light Throwback Tea

Labatt Blue Light Throwback Tea is a non-carbonated, red raspberry hard iced tea infused with natural flavors. Labatt Blue Light Throwback Tea is available in 12-packs of 12-ounce cans and single 24-ounce cans. The product is available in NY and PA.

For more information, please go to: https://www.fifcousa.com. Connect with Labatt on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Labatt Blue Light recently introduced a new fruit flavored light pilsner, Labatt Blue Light Apple. Labatt Blue Light Apple is a premium lager with natural, crisp apple flavor. Labatt Blue Light Apple joins Labatt Blue Light’s other fruit flavored products, Blue Light Lime and Blue Light Grapefruit, as a limited release this summer.

Jason Folaron, brand manager for Labatt USA, shares that Blue Light Apple presents an opportunity for Labatt to connect with even more consumers.

“Apple Flavored Beers are growing rapidly in popularity, nearly doubling in sales from previous years. With Blue Light doing so well, it’s the perfect time for us to bring something new and fresh to the market that we know Labatt fans will enjoy,” Folaron said.

According to IRI, that provides shopper data analytics, Labatt Blue Light is currently outpacing the premium, unflavored beer segment growth in Upstate New York.

“We have solid trend data on Blue Light that led to us developing this great tasting fruit beer for beer drinkers across the Northeast to try this summer,” said Folaron.

Labatt Blue Light Apple is available in 12 and 30-packs now while supplies last.

Labatt Blue Light Grapefruit and Blue Light Lime Return in Standard Cans

After a year of slim cans, Labatt Blue Light Grapefruit and Blue Light Lime have returned in standard 12-ounce cans.

“Our fans preferred the regular can, so we listened! We are excited to bring the standard can back,” said Folaron. “We even developed a tongue and cheek social media campaign entitled ‘We’re sorry’ to announce the change, speaking directly to our consumer.” Labatt Blue Light Grapefruit and Blue Light Lime are now available.

About Labatt Blue Light Apple

Labatt Blue Light Apple is a premium light lager, with the perfect touch of natural apple flavor. Labatt Blue Light Apple is available in 12-packs and 30-packs of 12 oz standard cans. The product is currently available in NY, MI, OH, PA, FL, & DE. For more information please go to: https://www.fifcousa.com/

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Just in time for football season, Buffalo-based Labatt Blue Light will release its football-themed hard seltzer under a new name that recognizes the power of Western New York’s fanbase. Labatt Blue Light Seltzer Stampede is on shelves now, just in time for pre-season football.

“Buffalo’s fanbase is known nationwide for its dedication to the Buffalo Bills,” said Corey Berger, associate brand manager for Labatt. “Labatt has always been a part of football tailgating and pre-gaming. We decided to name our seltzer Stampede to honor the best fans in the country.”

Labatt Blue Light Stampede has evolved from QB1, which was introduced last football season and quickly became a fan favorite. Stampede has the same refreshing taste profile which combines raspberry, lemon, and cherry flavors — similar to a rocket pop. This year’s red, white and blue can features a stampede of buffalo, a tribute to the power, energy and charge of Buffalo fans. Stampede will be available in stores, starting this week until supplies last. Stampede comes in a 12-pack of 12-ounce slim cans.

“We feel lucky to be a part of this community and fan base,” said Berger. “We love introducing a product that honors Buffalo fans!”

Labatt Blue Light Seltzer first launched in 2020. Since that time, Labatt Blue Light Seltzer has become one of the top five bestselling hard seltzer brands in Upstate NY.

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