CBS claims every spot in its NCAA coverage has been sold,
but, according to George Lazarus in this morning's CHICAGO
TRIBUNE, some broadcast sources say "there is still some time
available." Lazarus reports that sources say the most expensive
spots -- those during the semifinal games on March 30 -- go for
about $450,000 per 30-seconds. However, "not every advertiser
can latch on to a TV spot for those final games," as companies
have to "pony up a good chunk of money" throughout the year "to
have a shot at the NCAA's Final Four." The following
companies/brands have purchased ad time during the tournament:
Nike, AT&T, GM, Anheuser-Busch, Goodyear, Gillette, Pennzoil and
PepsiCo's Pizza Hut and Pepsi-Cola (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 3/12).
MORE AD DETAILS: More than 150 companies will advertise on
ESPN and/or CBS' coverage of the Men's and Women's tournaments.
Dottie Enrico reports the games are a "marketing bonanza" for
companies "looking to capture a piece of the elusive Generation-X
market." Other companies noted to have purchased adtime on
ESPN/CBS: Sears, Gateway 2000, Northern Telcom, Midas, and Lee
(USA TODAY, 3/12).
