With Minnesota United starting its second season in MLS this March, it’s only right that Rising North Pale Ale, the official beer of Minnesota United, returns for its sophomore campaign as well.

"Being able to partner with the team and MLS on this is fantastic," says Omar Ansari, owner, Surly Brewing Co. "The fact that casual fans and the real diehards loved the beer made bringing it back a no-brainer."

Rising North was initially a draft beer brewed for match days at TCF Bank Stadium, Surly’s Beer Hall and some neighborhood soccer bars. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and it was apparent that this easy-drinking pale ale was ready for the big time. Minnesota United agreed.

“Having a pint with your mates has long been a favorite way for fans to enjoy a soccer match,” says MNUFC CEO Chris Wright. “We truly appreciate the collaboration from Surly and Omar in this regard, providing fans with a beer they can truly call their own. We’re excited for another season of Minnesota soccer, and another season of Rising North.”

The beer will make its 2018 debut at a select handful of watch parties for the team's season opener at San Jose on Saturday, March 3 (Brit's and City Works in Minneapolis, O'Gara's in St. Paul), before hitting shelves and draft lines the week of March 5 across Surly markets.

The return of Rising North also means the return of MNUFC's Official Pre-Match Party. Starting three hours before every home match, the party takes over our Destination Brewery. You'll get music from Jake Rudh's Transmission, eats from our Beer Hall and the Surly Food Truck, a soccer-themed photo booth from MNUFC, a whole hell of a lot of Rising North and a brass band-led march to the stadium with the rest of your Minnesota United brethren. The fun starts on Saturday, March 17, before the home opener against Chicago. (It snowed like a son of a gun at last year's opener, so be ready for anything.)