There is a very good chance that Anheuser-Busch will have one of the most memorable Super Bowl commercials. Why? Volume. The Bud brewer has nine commercials airing (eight 30 second ads and one 60 second spot) during the big game.
The commercial pictured here, for Budweiser Select, pits rapper Jay-Z and Hall of Fame coach Don Shula in a futuristic chess football battle. It will air during the fourth quarter. Other spots feature a man and woman debating whether or not to pick up a hitchhiker who's carrying an ax...but also a Bud Light, a game of rock paper scissors and of course, the signature Clydesdale horses.
Bob Lachky, executive vice president for global industry development for Anheuser-Busch, said the company, which usually finishes at the top of the post-Super Bowl ad rating polls, is proud to be known for funny commercials. And football fans can expect more of the same for the next few years. Anheuser-Busch is signed up to be the exclusive beer sponsor of the Super Bowl through 2012.
"People ask us why we spend so much on the Super Bowl. It is absolutely essential for our selling strategy. It is necessary for us and it is a very efficient way to reach millions of beer drinkers," Lachky said.