The growth of interactive entertainment in bars and
restaurants is profiled in ADVERTISING AGE. Kim Cleland writes
that Carlsbad, CA-based NTN Communications is now the leading
interactive entertainment company, but is "getting a competitor."
Calgary-based Sports Active Television will launch Sports Active
Football in August, allowing consumers to play against one
another. The company last week began deploying its interactive
network in hotels and restaurants across the country, including
Hooter's, Red Lion Inns, Sheraton Hotels, Royal Caribbean Cruise
Lines and Amtrak. NTN offers its entertainment in about 3,500
sports bars and restaurants across the U.S. Advertisers include
Chrysler, Sprint and Miller, as well as licensing deals with the
NHL and NFL. Sports Active is looking for marketers to pay
between $350,000 and $1M/year for exclusive sponsorship and
advertising rights. Coors has signed on as one of two premier
sponsors. Sponsors can air commercials, place logos and run
messages during games (ADVERTISING AGE, 7/8 issue).