Bud Bowl Makes Return Visit to Tampa Bay to Delight of Gridiron Fans

Pigskin Promotion Features Free Concerts by Snoop Dogg and 3 Doors Down

TAMPA, Fla. (Jan. 6, 2009) — While Joe Montana and Jerry Rice were leading the San Francisco 49ers to victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in pro football's big game in 1989, Bud Bowl was making headlines in the very first television commercials featuring a "battle of bottles" between Budweiser and Bud Light.

In a span of 20 years Bud Bowl has evolved to become a multifaceted promotion in stores, bars and restaurants as well as a series of local events, including major concerts in the big game's host cities.

Anheuser-Busch and its local beer distributors of the Tampa Bay area are hosting Bud Bowl 2009, Jan. 30 – 31, in advance of the professional football championship. While a number of gridiron parties will take place in Tampa and elsewhere, the marquee Bud Bowl block party will be one of the hottest tickets in town.

Bud Bowl will include the world famous Budweiser Clydesdales, Bud Light MXT and free live concerts at Channelside. Snoop Dogg and 3 Doors Down will entertain Bud Bowl fans on Jan. 30 and 31, respectively.

"Adult beer drinkers enjoy good times with friends and family with Bud Light, an American light lager, and Budweiser, the Great American Lager. This is especially the case in Florida, where consumers continue to call for our great beers," said John Miller, marketing director for Anheuser-Busch. "Bud Bowl is our way of thanking those loyal consumers for their ongoing support. These complimentary concerts featuring Snoop Dogg and 3 Doors Down will definitely be a highlight of the entertainment surrounding the big game."

Bud Bowl Block Party, One Night Stand Concerts

On Jan. 30 and 31, Budweiser and Bud Light will stage two of the area's must-see "One Night Stand" concerts at Channelside, featuring Snoop Dogg and 3 Doors Down. To attend the concerts, adult consumers 21 and older must have invitations, which can be obtained through Budweiser promotions in area bars, clubs and restaurants and through radio station giveaways. There will be no tickets or invitations available to the block parties on those evenings. Gates will open each evening at 8 p.m.

"Budweiser and Bud Light are the best-selling beers in Florida, and we want to add to the fun of championship weekend by bringing popular entertainment to a unique block party atmosphere," Miller said. "Unlike other parties at the big game that are exclusive to VIPs, Bud Bowl is one of the few free events that is open to all adult consumers in the Tampa area. Our ‘One Night Stand' concerts will be among everyone's must-see events, plus we have a few other surprises for our special guests that will add to their enjoyment."

Budweiser Clydesdales

One of the highlights of Bud Bowl is the appearance of the eight-horse Clydesdale hitch. These "gentle giants" have been an Anheuser-Busch symbol of tradition since the first Clydesdale hitch and red beer wagon paraded to celebrate the end of Prohibition in 1933. This year also marks the 76th anniversary of this corporate icon.

The Clydesdale horses have been regulars in popular TV commercials surrounding the big game and will be making calls at retail accounts in the bay area where the public can view these amazing animals up close.

Bud Light MXT

Although football is undoubtedly the focus of the week, fans will have an opportunity to view the Bud Light MXT mobile unit at a number of locations. The Bud Light MXT is armed with satellite TV, DVD and Xbox 360 state-of-the-art capabilities to allow guests to watch their favorite team on a high-definition big screen television, or challenge their friends to a popular video game.

Budweiser Designated Driver Programs

Anheuser-Busch and its local wholesalers are partnering to offer three designated driver options to consumers to help them get home safely during the week of Jan. 26.

• Tow-to-Go is the ultimate safe ride home. This program is provided in cooperation with AAA Auto Club South. Consumers who are out celebrating and do not have a designated driver may call 1-800-AAA-HELP and a tow truck will be dispatched to pick them up, along with their vehicles free of charge (no questions asked). Tow-to-Go has picked up more than 8,500 people in its 10-year history. This service will be offered throughout Florida and is supported by the Florida Highway Patrol and local law enforcement agencies.
• ZINGO will have drivers positioned near area retail accounts. When ZINGO is notified that someone needs a safe ride home, a ZINGO representative rides a foldable scooter to meet the customer at his/her vehicle, places the scooter in the trunk of the vehicle and then drives that person home. After delivering the customer to his/her residence, the ZINGO representative retrieves the scooter and returns to help the next patrons. ZINGO's number in Tampa Bay is 1-877-ZINGO-11 (946-4611).
• Upon entering the Bud Bowl block party, consumers will find the ‘Who's Your Bud?' information stand. Representatives will be on hand to provide information on designated driver options, as well as the Bud Bowl Designated Driver of the night promotion. Individuals can pledge to be the designated driver for their group and enter a raffle to win prizes at the Bud Bowl.

Tampa Bay fans will join millions of Americans in doing the ride thing. According to a recent survey conducted by TNS Custom Research on behalf of Anheuser-Busch, nearly two out of three adults – more than 137 million Americans – have been a designated driver or been driven home by one.

Since 1982, Anheuser-Busch and its nationwide network of 600 wholesalers have invested more than $750 million in national advertising campaigns and community-based programs to promote responsible drinking and prevent alcohol abuse, including drunk driving. For more information on these efforts and the progress being made, visit www.beeresponsible.com.