NMSU Athletics News Release

NM State sports properties unveils “Official Tequila” in Cantera Negra

Collaboration between NM State and Cantera Negra believed to be first-of-its-kind in nation

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NM State Sports Properties' longtime relationship with Admiral Beverage Corporation ushers in a new opportunity to introduce Cantera Negra as the "Official Tequila of NM State Athletics."


The pairing marks a first-of-its-kind for any university in the state. Through Admiral's athletics sponsorship with NM State Sports Properties, Cantera Negra will own the exclusive 'official tequila' designation during the 2021-22 season and receive exposure through several digital campaigns and via NMStateSports.com.

 NM State Sports Properties, multimedia rightsholder for the Aggies, is the locally based Learfield IMG College team that had a hand in securing the agreement on behalf of the university. Admiral Beverages manages statewide distribution of Cantera Negra where it can be sold. It is an all-natural, hand-crafted, family made super premium tequila available in 24 states across the country.

 "We are very proud and excited to become part of the Aggie family as the official tequila of NM State Athletics," said Cantera Negra Tequila Chief Operating Officer David Szydlik. "The Las Cruces area has opened their arms and welcomed Cantera Negra Tequila since we launched our award-winning spirits in New Mexico three months ago. We believe this is a great opportunity to give back to the local community of Las Cruces, as well as the entire Aggie family. My wife and I have relocated here, and we're looking forward to attending many of the Aggie sporting events and working in the local community."

 "It is believed NM State is the first school in the country to collaborate with a tequila company, and that is an exciting prospect for Aggie Nation," said NM State Director of Athletics Mario Moccia. "Not only is tequila the hottest spirit in the industry, but Cantera Negra is one of the fasting-growing brands in the business. We are proud to associate with another nationally award-winning beverage similar to Pistol Pete's 1888 Ale, our officially licensed beer which won the bronze medal at the Great American Beer Festival in 2018. I am sure Aggie Nation will be very eager to support Cantera Negra.

 "This successful collaboration will also benefit NM State athletics from a financial standpoint," Moccia continued. "Cantera Negra's sales continuing to increase will lead to enhanced visibility and revenue for NM State athletics, which ultimately provides additional support for our student-athletes."

Founded over 40 years ago, Cantera Negra has only been available for sale in the United States since 2017. Cantera Negra is made in small-batch quantities from hand-selected blue agaves, which are grown to maturity in the valley regions of Jalisco, Mexico. Cantera Negra features four different varieties of tequila. The quartet of beverages all earned either bronze, silver or gold medal recognitions at the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

 "Admiral Beverage and Cantera Negra Tequila are very excited to partner up with NM State Athletics as 'Official Tequila,'" said Steve Liddell, general manager of Admiral Beverage-Las Cruces. "This is a game changer for our portfolio of tequilas. We cannot wait to get going on this partnership with NM State as we continue to grow the Cantera brand throughout the great state of New Mexico."

 An invite-only event to celebrate Cantera Negra's status as the official tequila of NM State athletics is set to take place at Elephant Ranch in Las Cruces, N.M., on Thursday July 8. 

 For complete coverage of NM State athletics as the Aggies gear up for the 2021-22 season, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics - and follow the Aggies on Facebook (NM State Aggies), Twitter (@NMStateAggies) and Instagram (@NMStateAggies). 

NMSU, Athletics, Tequila

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