January 24, 2008 at 9:21 am · Authored by Ewan · Filed under Mobile Marketing, SMS

Superbowl is, obviously, a complete non-event for most Brits and, I’m sure, most Europeans. However it’s a big thing, big big big, here in the States. Interestingly, everyone I meet tells me that they enjoy watching the Superbowl for the ads. Not the football? Well, I can understand that. I went to a college ‘football’ game — the Emerald Bowl — a few weeks ago, and I was astonished to see what looked like nearly 100 players from each team make their way on to the field prior to the beginning of the match. It was stop, start, stop, first down, second down, stop, start, arse about… hardly what I’m used to with soccer. Still I can see the merits of the game.

But, like everyone else, I’ll check out the ads. I’ll also be voting. Anheuser-Busch, the chaps behind Bud, are running a text vote during Superbowl, according to today’s USA Today. After a successful trial run earlier this year, you’ll be able to vote for your favourite Bud ad by text, from the comfort of your armchair. Why? Apart from something to do, if you vote, you’ll get a text message sent to you after the game containing a secret code to let you view a bonus commercial. Smart marketing and an innovative use of the medium for a country with a growing affection for texting.

More info over at www.budbowl.com.