America's Newest Odd Couple: Our National Parks and Budweiser

by Ryan Hudak on May 12, 2015 in Culture

Budweiser has provided a lot of fodder for us (and many others) of late, whether it’s from A-B’s insistence that the NFL clean-up its act all while sponsoring a room at a brothel, using a Super Bowl ad to make fun of all craft beer drinkers and the brewery it had just purchased, coming up with possibly the lamest ad campaign ever with the “Up for Whatever” nonsense, or turning that ad campaign distinctly rapey. Now, Budweiser is trying to ruin our beautiful national park system.

Of course, the National Park Foundation isn’t free of blame—they’re the ones who put on hold the no alcohol sponsorships rule to make a cool $2.5 million over the next two years, which is sure to really put a dent in the reported $11.5 billion backlog in upgrades and repairs for the park system.  

But what will this mean for you, the hopefully non-consumer of Bud Light? Probably just that you’ll see the Statue of Liberty on some Bud Light bottles and have another event to avoid when A-B InBev throws a “pretty epic surprise concert” this summer. I’m sure Iggy Azalea playing in the middle of Yellowstone will be a huge hit, especially since most national parks ban alcohol.

In the end, though, this just shows that InBev is completely oblivious to reasonable marketing strategies. As Budweiser’s VP Brian Perkins says, “It’s fitting for Budweiser—a big, bold brand—to team up with a pioneering partner like NPF. We are looking to draw attention to these parks with our eye-catching packaging.” Why is this fitting? And if some Budweiser-drinking hayseed needs a bottle of terrible beer to clue them in to Mount Rushmore or the Grand Canyon, chances are that hayseed is not all that interested in seeing America. Once again, Budweiser is skirting the real issue that is losing them market share (the taste of its beer) and pandering to the “’MURICA!” screaming boobs that already drink its beer.

A picture or a saying on a bottle isn’t going to get anyone out of their trailer to experience a crazy night out or go to a national landmark, Budweiser. Start dealing with the actual crux of the matter and maybe people will actually stop laughing at you. Maybe.

Photo via Budweiser 


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