Super Bowl XLIII

Welcome Back!

Did you watch the Super Bowl on Sunday? Well, if you were one of the 100 million (Alleged), you probably viewed an entertaining spectacle.

Somebody Wins, Somebody Loses

First, I will start by saying that I was not actively participating in Super Bowl - my Seattle Seahawks were not enough to even be contenders this year (My former fellow citizens of Seattle: The coach needs to hit the road!).

When I finally resumed a slight interest, the choice arrived between Pittsburgh or Arizona, I was leaning towards the Cardinals. Not because they were the underdog and had been largely discounted by many or even that it was their first appearance EVER in the Super Bowl - I went to my first year of college in Arizona, and my friend's big sister had dated one of the players on the team - all the more reason.

Alright Pittsburgh fans - congrats on the 6th!

Days leading up to the game, I had inquired from a number of people (Friends, family, associates and complete strangers) if they would be viewing the game and of course the team in which they were hoping to win the big game. Most were evenly split down the middle with their own armchair analysis as to why their preferred team would win the ultimate title.

Even better, the men in my life (All of which happen to have played football at one point or another - conscious choice) had a number of 'interesting' in-depth reasons as to which team would win and why - it was more than amusing and even adorable....At first...

Leading up to the game, the mood was highly favorable - after all we had a good crowd on hand, great food, and the pre-game show included my other favorite Big Men - Vin Diesel (Hey, Vin!), Duane "The Rock" Johnson, and even former NFL player Tiki Barber.

Further, we all smiled through the Jennifer Hudson performance of National Anthem - I was thinking of Simon during the performance who had disclaimed Jennifer's ability during American Idol, surprisingly, he does not know everything people...

Out with New - In With The Old

Although I was not initially thrilled about Bruce Springsteen being the choice of half-time entertainment - I do like Bruce (Again, thanks to MTV), but feel that since the Janet Jackson/Justin Timberlake ridiculous debacle (Both were to blame for not making more intelligent choice and have historically mired the position for the possibility of younger performers), the NFL has opted for the 60 year old+ non-mainstream entertainment (Stones, Paul McCartney, Bruce).

Having said, Bruce Boss and the E Street (Clarence, Patty, Stephen) appeared to have tons of energy for his age, and the performance was well received, complete with sing-a-long opportunities (Born to Run, customized Glory Days) and pyrotechnical display - No disappointment.

Most programs feel the pressure to "Young it Up" for the sake of ratings, however it is obvious that the NFL does not feel that their brand is in jeopardy or compromised by such pressure...Further, it is appreciated to see such focus on their core audience (Male, 24-54).

I could expand even further into the more general "Unattractive" statistics of commonality and identity such as geographic location, race, health, education, occupation, income level, and even musical taste (Strangely always Country and/or Rock-n-Roll) of regular couch potatoes...I mean NFL viewers, but will refrain.

The Ads

Many of you watched the Super Bowl for the commercials (Or, so advertisers would have you believe).

This year, NBC had sold 69 spots for a total revenue just north of $200 Million. Quite a good challenge considering the economic reports and selling a spot for $2.5 - $3 Million is admirable indeed.

Advertiser reasoning was that it was the shear force of the anticipated audience (Which according to reports was estimated at nearly 100 Million viewers) that induced participation. Excellent job to the Account Execs over at NBC - now that is how to make 'Orange Juice' from lemons, all GOLD babe!

Further, it was nice to see the studios rolling trailers during the show -

I do recall Fast & Furious 3, Monster vs. Aliens (Animated feature, not be confused with Fox's Alien vs.Predator franchise - which I rather like, but definitely not for your kids), Transformers 2 (Shia LaBeouf I want to like but not hearing good things), Land of the Lost (Will Ferrell acting silly - yet again), G.I. Joe (Appeared of great interest: High-tech with super human special effects - good combo), and a non-trailer commercial for Audi with Jason Statham (Transporter series) - Audi, between your S8, A8, and R8 models, you are making your way on my list and I do not even need anymore vehicles!

What Happened to Bud Bowl?

Let us just say that if I were a manufacturer of any type of alcoholic product (Barley in nature), truck related (Ford/Chevy conspicuously absent this year despite the fact that both are currently running standard ads during regular Network Prime-time), electronic or fast food related, my chances are good for reaching my target audience.

Greater chances that exceed a maker of healthy or environmentally safe products. Presumably, it has to be funny or sexy to appeal to this demanding audience - the latter of which is the lowest common denominator...Careful though, not too provocative lest it impart the outrage of the families and children that allegedly all gather together to watch the event(-?).

Too High Brow or Too Much Guilt?

Frankly, the Superbowl could be an important platform for various social and political concerns...I would love to see PETA, MADD, ASPCA, RED, or even Weight Watchers commercials during the show.My point is why not educate while entertaining such a large group - Ah, perfect....

*The logo above of Super Bowl 43 is the respective property of its owner.