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renowned for its innovative craft beers, has teamed up with Â鶹ÊÓƵAPK and Â鶹ÊÓƵAPKAthletics to create a UA beer, Zips Hoppin’ Blonde Ale. The beverage is set to debut Jan. 5, just in time for the men’s basketball conference opener against Bowling Green State University. 
 
Sports enthusiasts and craft beer aficionados alike will have the opportunity to savor this delightful beverage. The refreshing brew will be available at the James A. Rhodes Arena during all home sporting events, as well as at Hoppin' Frog Brewery located at 1680 E. Waterloo Road in Akron.  

“We are excited to expand our brand awareness with a great Akron-based company like Hoppin’ Frog Brewery,” said Director of Athletics Charles Guthrie. “I’m looking forward to having this co-branded product at Zips athletic events and throughout Northeast Ohio.” 

This collaboration showcases the best of local talent and a commitment to the University's alumni community. 

Fred Karm, owner of the Hoppin’ Frog Brewery in Akron, shares his excitement for this collaboration. “I was excited to collaborate on making beer for UA, because it brings it all back full circle for me. I am a 1987 graduate and have been friends with the Fermentation Sciences class for some time. I have hosted many of their beer samplings at our brewery each semester, and together the class and I have designed and brewed two great beers. I think that the patrons at UA sporting events will be happy to find the Hoppin' Frog brand at athletic events, because we are a great source for local beer, the brewery is run by a UA graduate, and we are involved heavily within the Â鶹ÊÓƵAPKcommunity.”  

UA provides a one-credit-hour course, known as "Science of Brewing & Fermentation," with assistance from a collaboration involving Hoppin’ Frog. During this course, students get the opportunity to go through the scientific and hands-on process of making beer.