Super Bowl Ads to Watch Out For

Super Bowl Ads to Watch Out For

Last year, 98.2 million viewers watched the Super Bowl. Those who don’t care for the game (or sports in general) still tune in for the Advertisements.  

Each year, marketers vie for limited inventory and pay millions so that they can get brand exposure during one of the most watched sporting events in our time.  Talk about commercial real estate. The prestige of advertising during this elite game dates back to the 1970s with Coca Cola’s famous commercial in 1971.  

The spot showed young people assembling on an Italian hilltop singing “I’d like to buy the world a Coke” in perfect harmony. Apple utilized the limelight in 1984 with an ad that featured a female athlete (Apple) disrupting a futuristic dystopian rally (IBM and computer culture of the time) with a sledgehammer.  

The spot ended with the message, “On January 24th, Apple will introduce Macintosh. And you’ll see why 1984 won’t be like ‘1984’”). Mac computers were introduced two days later by CEO Steve Jobs. Super Bowl commercials have never the same. Here are some famous brands that will have a seat at the table this year.

Anheuser-Busch (InBev)

As usual, with multiple ads, the long-term Super Bowl advertiser will be back. The brewer keeps its long-held exclusive ad rights in the beer category. 

We are not sure if they will be bringing back the Clydesdales or the Budknights, but we do know that the company has purchased four spots and will use them to support five of their brands. Michelob Ultra, Michelob Ultra Gold, Budweiser each get their own plug.  One ad will support both Bud Light and Bud Light Seltzer.  

Coca Cola 

This company has a history of producing memorable ads.  Since dropping out of the game in 2019, Coca-Cola returns to the Super Bowl with a 60-second commercial. Last season, the company ran a pre-game ad before the National Anthem, breaking a long string of Super Bowl in-game commercials. 

For the coveted during-the-game- spot, various brands are being considered: options include new Coke Energy or Aha sparkling water.

 Avocados From Mexico

Avocados From Mexico will broadcast a Super Bowl LIV 30-second ad. This is their sixth consecutive Super Bowl commercial. The spot will celebrate the American obsession of the avocado (not to mention- the rise of avocado toast). 

In its five previous Super Bowl advertisements, celebrities such as Kristin Chenoweth and Scott Baio appeared.

Audi (Volkswagen)

The luxury brand owned by the Volkswagen Group will be making its 11th appearance during the Superbowl. The commercial will launch a new global campaign aimed at redefining Audi’s marketing slogan “Vorsprung durch Technik,” which means “progress through technology.”  

Volkswagen’s 2011 commercial featuring a young Darth Vader in costume trying to use the Force around his house (until his dad uses a remote starter to turn on the Passat) was a more recent fan-favorite. 

 Facebook

A new brand is gearing up for the big game. With a 60-second slot, Facebook will make its first foray into the advertising Mecca. 

In the commercial, which will also highlight actor Chris Rock, Sylvester Stallone will be the main star. Stallone leaked footage showing him recreating his famous “Rocky” scene where he is running up the steps of the Museum of Modern Art in Philadelphia. He tweeted: “It was fantastic working with @chrisrock. We got along great. Admire his wit… @Facebook did a great job producing, and it is going to be amazingly entertaining at #SuperBowlLIV.”

After the showdown, let us know what your favorite ads were!