ITHACA, N.Y. — Ithaca College Athletics is excited to announce the launch of The Bomber Beer Garden presented by Hopshire Farm & Brewery, a new premium gameday experience that will be featured at all five home football games during the 2026 season.

The Bomber Beer Garden will make its debut on Saturday, September 12, when the IC Football host Alfred University at 6:00 p.m. under the lights at Butterfield Stadium.

Located on the west end (scoreboard side) of Butterfield Stadium, the Bomber Beer Garden will provide fans with a unique, front-row view of the action while creating a social gathering space for Bomber fans and visitors throughout the season. The area will be accessible from both the home and away stands, allowing fans throughout the stadium to enjoy the new experience.

"We are incredibly excited to launch The Bomber Beer Garden and to partner with Hopshire Farm & Brewery, an organization with such strong ties to the Ithaca community. This new hospitality experience is another way for us to continue enhancing game day at Butterfield Stadium while creating a welcoming space for people to connect, enjoy Bomber football and be part of the energy on South Hill," said Aaron Bouyea, Director of Athletics at Ithaca College. "We are especially excited about the opportunity to invite the greater Ithaca community to experience our campus, our program and everything that makes Bomber football game day special."

Hopshire Farm & Brewery is a family-owned business operated by Chris and Holly Rakow, who are dedicated to crafting exceptional beers and creating experiences that bring people together. Since opening in 2013 as the fifth farm brewery in New York, Hopshire has built strong partnerships with businesses and organizations throughout the local community.

In addition to her work at the brewery, Holly is also a proud Ithaca College alumna from the Class of 2007 and a dedicated member of the College community, serving as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Physician Assistant Program. This unique partnership brings together Hopshire Farm & Brewery and Ithaca College Athletics through a shared commitment to community, connection, and creating memorable experiences. The Hopshire Beer Garden will provide fans with a new way to enjoy Bomber football while giving Hopshire an opportunity to showcase its locally crafted products and connect with the Ithaca College community.

"We're excited to bring Hopshire to Butterfield Stadium and be part of the Bomber gameday experience", said Chris and Holly Rakow, owners of Hopshire Farm & Brewery. "With Holly being an Ithaca College alumna, this partnership has an especially meaningful connection for us."

Alcohol sales in the Bomber Beer Garden will begin 60 minutes prior to kickoff and conclude at the end of the third quarter. To enter the Bomber Beer Garden, fans must be 21 years of age or older and present a valid photo ID. All alcohol service will follow Ithaca College policies and applicable New York State regulations.

Ithaca College Athletics and Hopshire Farm & Brewery ask all guests to drink responsibly and respectfully while helping create a safe, welcoming and enjoyable gameday environment for everyone.

Fans are encouraged to arrive early, grab a drink, and experience the new Bomber Beer Garden presented by Hopshire Farm & Brewery at Butterfield Stadium.

Additional game details are available through Ithaca College Football.

About Hopshire Farm & Brewery

Hopshire Farm & Brewery is a family-owned business, run by Chris and Holly Rakow who are dedicated to crafting exceptional beers and bringing the community together. Our mission extends beyond just brewing: we celebrate local culture by featuring great music, local foods, and by actively supporting other local businesses. At Hopshire, we're more than a brewery — we're a community gathering place where friends and families can enjoy the best of what our region has to offer. Join us in our commitment to quality, community, and local sustainability.

About Ithaca College Athletics

Ithaca College Athletics sponsors 28 varsity sports and competes at the NCAA Division III level. The Bombers are members of the Liberty League and are committed to providing student-athletes with opportunities to excel academically, athletically and personally.