MSU debuts new co-branded Bud Light can ahead of first FBS game

Missouri State University fans can now see their team’s logo on Bud Light cans during this season’s Division I football games.

Launched on July 24, Missouri State University’s bear logo appears on a maroon Bud Light can and will be available in 24-packs at Price Cutter, Hy-Vee and Walmart, as well as small retailers.

MSU Athletics Director Patrick Ransdell said this opportunity allows the university to get its brand out there after a conference switch to the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision – the highest level of college football and the same division as Mizzou.

“They really only do it for a handful of programs across the country, and it’s an exciting way to get our brand out there,” Ransdell said. “I think this shows our ability to elevate our brand not only regionally, but on a national scale.”

Bud Light is brewed in St. Louis by Anheuser-Busch Cos. LLC and has been owned by InBev SA/NV since 2008. The MSU Bud Light cans are distributed by Wil Fischer Cos., and 25,000 cases were ordered, Ransdell said.

“We’re going to sell it at all of our venues, and from what I’ve gathered, the first week has been robust,” Ransdell said.

The beer cans are not specific to football, Ransdell said, which makes him hopeful the beer will sell through mid-winter and at the start of basketball season. Ransdell said other changes people can expect for athletics this season includes a new football field including the Missouri flag and new stadium lighting.

“When people are tuning in from all over the country on ESPN or CBS, they’ll be able to know exactly who’s playing out there,” Ransdell said. “Enhancing the experience of our fans when they come to games – there’s a lot of things like that taking place. We’re excited for what that brings on Sept. 13 against (Southern Methodist University).”

Bud Light becomes MSU’s third partnership with a brewing company. The university has worked with Boulevard Brewing Co. in Kansas City through its Quirk Hard Seltzers and Tea in a wild cherry flavor. Mother’s Brewing Co. LLC also has an MSU-themed MoState Lager.

“We have three cans out there,” Ransdell said. "For us to have that is a pretty special opportunity.”

The Football Bowl Subdivision transition is part of MSU’s switch to the Conference USA from Missouri Valley Conference, which became effective this summer.