Budweiser, Coke and Pepsi Join Brands in Sitting Out Super Bowl

NEW YORK (AP) — For the first time since 1983, when Anheuser-Busch used all of its ad time to introduce a beer called Bud Light, the beer giant isn’t advertising its iconic Budweiser brand during the Super Bowl.

Instead, it’s donating the money it would have spent on the ad to coronavirus vaccination awareness efforts.

The decision to not do an anthemic Budweiser ad — which over nearly four decades have made American icons of frogs chirping “Budweiser," guys screaming “Whassup!”, and of course the Budweiser Clydesdales — showcases the caution with which some advertisers are approaching the Super Bowl with during the pandemic.

Coca Cola and Pepsi will also be sitting out this year's big game.

Super Bowl LV kicks off at 5:30 PM CT this evening on CBS.