Phoenix-area hoteliers are reporting that bookings "at a
number of properties are unexpectedly soft" during the two weeks
leading to Super Bowl XXX. Phoenix hospitality consultant Rich
Warnick says the impact of the game on January revenues "is
shaping up as a wash" because of the "projected loss in business
before and after the game." However, Warnick notes, "The real
value of the game is the huge exposure it provides" (Ken Western,
ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 1/12)....Host Committee representatives have
trained 2,000 volunteers to meet visitors at Phoenix's Sky Harbor
airport during Super Bowl week with the theme, "Share the Warmth"
(CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 1/15)....The FAA has "carved up the sky" above
the stadium to enable blimps, helicopters and other planes
airspace. The FAA expects 19 banner-carrying planes above the
stadium during the game (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 1/12).
AND FROM THE AD WORLD: NBC has sold all of its ad time for
the game, raking in close to $1.3M per 30-second unit. In
addition, the network is asking for rates between $400-600,000
for pre- and post-game 30-second spots -- up 10% from last year
(Sally Beatty, N.Y. TIMES, 1/16)....In USA TODAY, Dottie Enrico
writes that while the Steelers may be the Super Bowl's
"advertising underdogs," some marketing experts say "fans might
be suffering 'Cowboy overload,' and the fresh-faced Steelers
could benefit from their anonymity" (USA TODAY, 1/15)....Pepsi-
Cola, Oscar Mayer, Anheuser-Busch and McDonald's are among the
Super Bowl advertisers using in-store promotions, Web sites,
contests and other marketing "gimmicks" to draw attention to
their Super Bowl spots (N.Y. TIMES, 1/16)....Nissan is using the
Super Bowl to kick off a safari-themed ad campaign for its
redesigned Pathfinder. The 30-second spot was designed by TBWA
Chiat/Day, Venice CA (AD AGE ONLINE, 1/16)....This morning's USA
TODAY "Super Bowl Ad Watch" reviews PrimeStar Partners' 30-second
ad, set for the 3rd quarter. The spot, entitled "She Loves TV,"
features a "30ish woman" explaining why she loves new sports and
dramas. The tagline is "Enjoy" (USA TODAY, 1/16).
