By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
Fans of the Fighting Irish have one more reason to raise a pint, as beer giant Guinness has renewed its licensing relationship with Notre Dame Athletics.
The renewal comes as college football kicks off, with Guinness and Notre Dame extending their six-year licensing relationship for another three seasons. That will see Guinness remaining the Official Beer of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Alumni and Fans.
“Since first coming together in 2020, Guinness and Notre Dame have proven some partnerships are as natural as pints and football,” the partners said.
Guinness is also re-signing Notre Dame legend and longtime brand ambassador Joe Montana, building on their six-year partnership. Montana went on from Notre Dame to become one of the greatest NFL quarterbacks of all time with the New York Jets.
“I’m excited to continue my partnership with Guinness for another three years and keep celebrating everything that makes football season so special,” said Montana. “Guinness and I share a respect for tradition, a commitment to service, and, most importantly, a belief in bringing people together.
“Notre Dame is where so much began for me, and I’m looking forward to connecting with football fans this season because there’s nothing like raising a pint on game day.”
Karissa Downer, Director of Guinness in the United States, says the Guinness team is thrilled to continue its long and mutually beneficial relationship with Montana and the Fighting Irish.
“Six years ago, we brought the storied brewing heritage of Guinness together with the Fighting Irish, and we knew quickly we had something pretty special,” Downer said. “We couldn’t be happier to extend our partnership with Joe Montana for another three years, because some traditions are just too good to stop.
“Notre Dame fans have an incredible respect for legacy and a real sense of community that feels right at home with Guinness and Joe.”
To kick off the season, Guinness is reintroducing its annual limited-edition Notre Dame can, this year featuring the Football Leprechaun mark for the first time.
Guinness says the new can celebrates a partnership between two iconic institutions with more than four centuries of history between them, and will be available in more markets this season, giving even more Fighting Irish fans a new way to raise a Guinness on game day.
Over the next three years, Guinness says it will continue creating memorable experiences for Fighting Irish faithful, with Montana joining the brand to pour pints and connect with fans. Partnering with the Guinness Gives Back program, Montana will also team up with local organizations off the field to support the communities that have long supported Guinness.
“Football season is all about the moments that bring people together, from the first kickoff to the first poured pint,” Downer said. “Here’s to great games, great company and making every gathering a little more legendary with Joe.”
The limited-edition Notre Dame Guinness Draught cans are available now in select markets while supplies last.
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