BETTER MAKE IT A BUD LIGHT: A-B's Bud Light brand has
signed on as the official beer of the '99 Women's World Cup.
Under the deal, A-B will commit $1M of Cup-themed ads and
receives board signage, media, tickets and hospitality
(BRANDWEEK, 3/30)....Starter has re-signed Steelers RB
Jerome Bettis for another three years in an endorsement deal
for both its branded and licensed apparel (BRANDWEEK, 3/30).
CUTS AT NIKE SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT: AD AGE's Bradley
Johnson writes that "one place taking a hit" during Nike's
recent staff cutbacks is Nike Sports & Entertainment. Its
staff has "shrunk" from 34 employees to 20. The company
will now focus on Nike oriented events as it "abandons
ambitions to compete with the likes of" IMG in staging
events for other marketers (AD AGE, 3/30 issue).
A BIG ATTRACTION: At the Mall of America, NASCAR
Silicon Motor Speedway is the highest grossing entertainment
tenant to date, according to the Mall's owner, Simon
DeBartolo Group. Weekends and selected weekdays see a
three- to six-hour wait at the interactive center (NASCAR).
