The Charlotte Hornet will start their 35th year with an official craft beer partnership.
Hornets Sports and Entertainment and Kannapolis-based Old Armor Beer announced a collaboration this week. As part of the deal, Old Armor will release a co-branded beer, Stinger Ale, available at the brewery starting Oct. 21 and at Spectrum Center, where the Hornets play their home games.
Financial terms of the partnership were not disclosed.
“We are pleased to have Old Armor Beer Company as an official partner of the Charlotte Hornets, and to have the co-branded beer, Stinger Ale, available to adult fans while they’re enjoying a Hornets game at Spectrum Center,” says Hornets Sports & Entertainment President and Vice Chairman Fred Whitfield in a statement. “We’re also proud to partner with a 100% veteran-owned and operated business. As an organization, we are committed to supporting our military through every stage, including our veterans, so this partnership with Old Armor is particularly meaningful.”
To commemorate the Hornets’ 35th anniversary season, Stinger Ale will have limited-edition packaging featuring the classic Hornets logo before transitioning to the team’s current logo.
Along with having the right to use team marks and logos, Old Armor will receive menu board branding at Spectrum Center and social media promotion. In addition, the company will be the presenting partner for one home game each season that will highlight veterans and first responders that have served and protected the community.
Old Armor Beer Co-Founders Kyle Lingafelt, an active duty Marine from 2018 to 2018, and Stefan Perrine, who served with the Army from 2010 to 2015, could not be reached for comment. Through a statement from the Hornets, they indicated their partnership as not only a way to introduce their product but to also “highlight the incredible sacrifices and dedication of our service men, women and veterans.”
To tip off the partnership, an official Stinger Ale Launch Party will be held from 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 21, at Old Armor Beer (211 West Ave., Kannapolis). Hornets legend Muggsy Bogues will attend the party, which will feature Hornets-themed entertainment.
The Hornets begin the season at home 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25, against the Atlanta Hawks.