When the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Falcons made history by winning their first-ever NCAA Division III football championship on January 4, the entire community found a unique and joyful way to celebrate – through limited-edition commemorative beer labels that are bringing people together in the best possible way.

Swinging Bridge Brewing Company, a beloved fixture on Main Street in River Falls, has created something special to honor this momentous achievement. The brewery released championship editions of two beers they launched in partnership with the university at the start of the football season: Falcon Red and Falcon Flight Light Lager. The response has been nothing short of incredible.

"There's been tons of hype online and around town about the team," said Manager Cory Hart, whose enthusiasm perfectly captures the community spirit. "People loved the beers all fall, but the demand has been nothing like it has been since we came up with the championship label."

The special "National Championship Crowlers" proudly display "2025 NCAA DIII National Champions" along with the date and location of the historic victory in Canton, Ohio. Since their release on January 5, the commemorative cans have sold out on each of the first two days, demonstrating just how much this victory means to the community.

The championship win itself reads like a fairy tale. UW-River Falls, located about 30 miles east of the Twin Cities, defeated the powerhouse North Central College of Illinois 24-14 at the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl. What makes this even more remarkable is that North Central was undefeated and had won three of the last five Division III national championships. For River Falls, this wasn't just their first championship – it was their first time in the title game and their first playoff appearance since 1996.

The partnership between Swinging Bridge and UW-River Falls, which began last August, represents something beautiful: a local business investing in its community's future. A portion of every university-branded beer sold goes directly back to UW-River Falls and its athletic department, amounting to approximately one dollar per pint. It's a win-win that supports student athletes while bringing the community together.

The brewery's announcement on Facebook received thousands of likes and over 100 enthusiastic comments from fans celebrating both the team and the beers. Falcon Red, a smooth 5.3% ABV red lager with subtle malty sweetness, and Falcon Flight Light, a crisp 4.8% ABV pale lager, have become more than just beverages – they're symbols of community pride and shared celebration.

Hart noted that the brewery plans to continue printing the championship labels as long as supplies last, ensuring that as many fans as possible can take home a piece of this historic moment.

This story beautifully illustrates how sports can unite a community and how local businesses can play a meaningful role in celebrating achievements. It's about more than football or beer – it's about a town coming together to honor hard work, dedication, and the sweet taste of victory, both literal and figurative.