(St. Louis, MO) – Budweiser and the U.S. Olympic Committee today announced that the iconic beer brand is extending its exclusive malt beverage sponsorship and renewing its commitment to the USOC and Team USA through 2016.
Budweiser’s partnership with the USOC spans nearly three decades and includes 14 Olympic Games and Olympic Winter Games. Budweiser has been an Olympic supporter since 1984 when the brand served as the official beer sponsor of the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games.
“This is great news for Team USA,” said Scott Blackmun, chief executive officer of the USOC. “Budweiser has a long history with us, and we are grateful for their continued support of our U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Budweiser’s commitment will allow our athletes to compete to the very best of their ability, and that is what the Olympic Movement is all about.”
In line with previous commitments, Budweiser will continue to support its USOC sponsorship with significant media buys on NBC and affiliated networks during the Olympic Games. Additionally, Budweiser will receive entitlement of the Bud Deck at the London USA House, a private facility that hosts members of the USOC, the U.S. Olympic Team, corporate partners, sponsors, suppliers and licensees.
“Team USA athletes define commitment to excellence and we are proud to show our support for them as they represent the United States in competition.” said Rob McCarthy, vice president, Budweiser. “With the London 2012 Games only months away, Budweiser will join all Americans in celebrating the success of Team USA.”
Budweiser will also be featuring five U.S. Olympic hopefuls – Tony Azevedo, water polo; Jordan Burroughs, wrestling; Hyleas Fountain and Leo Manzano, track & field; and Sarah Groff, triathlon – on point-of-sale retail materials and will introduce a limited edition Olympic-themed 16 oz. aluminum bottle in June.
In addition to the USOC partnership, Budweiser is the official beer sponsor of the U.S. Soccer Federation and the U.S. Ski and Snowboarding teams. The beer brand will also sponsor the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for diving in Federal Way, Wash., from June 17-24; swimming in Omaha, Neb., from June 25-July 2, and gymnastics in San Jose, Calif., from June 28-July 1.
About the USOC
Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., the U.S. Olympic Committee serves as both the National Olympic Committee and National Paralympic Committee for the United States. As such, the USOC is responsible for the training, entering and funding of U.S. teams for the Olympic, Paralympic, Youth Olympic, Pan American and Parapan American Games, while serving as a steward of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements throughout the country. For more information, visit TeamUSA.org.
About Anheuser-Busch
Based in St. Louis, Anheuser-Busch is the leading American brewer, holding a 47.7 percent share of U.S. beer sales to retailers. The company brews Budweiser and Bud Light, two of the world’s largest-selling beers. Anheuser-Busch also owns a 50 percent share in Grupo Modelo, Mexico’s leading brewer. Anheuser-Busch is a major manufacturer of aluminum cans and has been a leading aluminum recycler for more than 30 years. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, the leading global brewer, and continues to operate under the Anheuser-Busch name and logo. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com.
