Commercial Appeal

Super Bowl XLIII is still nearly five months away, but NBC is not wasting any time in selling ad space during the broadcast, as the net is already 85% sold out for the big game. The figure leaves only about 10 spots open, an amazing accomplishment this far in advance. In addition, NBC’s Seth Winter says “over a dozen” 30-second spots have gone for $3M, a record price for the game broadcast. Ad buyers already on board include companies that traditionally have used the giant platform to promote their products, such as A-B, PepsiCo and CareerBuilder.com. The early sales rate reiterates the notion that major sports broadcasts are not being adversely affected by the current economy. Optimedia’s Larry Novenstern notes the extended buzz that surrounds ads debuting during the game, saying, “The Super Bowl is not a one-day or a 30-second event for an advertiser.” Perhaps longtime sales exec Jimmy Burnette puts it best when he says, “The Super Bowl is a sure thing.”