Just For Fun:
Commercial Trivia
So, you think you know a thing or two about the commercials? Test your knowledge of big game advertising with this quiz to see if you’re a bona fide ad fan or just a nacho-eatin’, chair-stealin’ imposter. The first 10 questions are for rookies (that means you). The next 10 are for seasoned veterans only.
ADVERTISING ROOKIES
Question #1
Ozzy Osbourne has a nightmare in this 2003 Pepsi Twist spot in which he dreams that he’s the unlikely father of which pair of performing siblings?
Answer: Donny and Marie Osmond
Question #2
Which former presidential candidate oogled Cindy Crawford in a 2001 Pepsi commercial?
Answer: Bob Dole
Question #3
Electronic Data Systems (EDS) offered its own take on the annual Running of the Bulls festival with a 2001 commercial featuring interviews with participants running from which animal?
Answer: Squirrels
Question #4
When a monk needs to make 500 copies of a manuscript, he uses a secret door in the monastery to access a modern copier room in a 1977 commercial for which office product manufacturer?
Answer: Xerox
Question #5
In 1993, hoops legends Michael Jordan and Larry Bird faced off in an unforgettable one-on-one shooting contest in a commercial for which company?
BONUS: For what prize were the two competing?
Answer: McDonalds (Bonus: Big Mac)
Question #6
Which supermodel did Pepsi use in its 1992 Bowl commercial to unveil its new can with the phrase “It’s beautiful?"
Answer: Cindy Crawford
Question #7
In 1989, who won the first Bud Bowl with a last second field goal by a seven-ounce “nip” bottle kicker named “Budski?”
FACT: Bud Bowl also included match-ups featuring “expansion” teams Bud Ice and Bud Dry, with Budweiser beating both teams.
Answer: Budweiser (Final Score: Budweiser 27, Bud Light 24)
Question #8
Which Hall of Fame Steelers lineman showed his sensitive side in 1980 when he tossed his game-used jersey to an adoring fan in exchange for a Coke?
Answer: Mean Joe Greene
Question #9
Which '80s sitcom actor dodged traffic and pouring rain to fetch Cindy Crawford a Pepsi in a 1987 commercial?
Answer: Michael J. Fox
Question #10
Which animated icon took the court with Michael Jordan in a 1992 Nike spot?
Answer: Bugs Bunny
ADVERTISING VETERANS
Question #1
A 1996 preview of which explosive summer blockbuster proved that movie trailers in the big game really do pay off at the box office?
Answer: "Independence Day"
Question #2
Who directed what is arguably the most talked about Bowl commercial of all time— a 1984 spot for Apple’s new Macintosh computer? (Hint: He later directed Hollywood blockbusters "Thelma & Louise", "Gladiator" and "Black Hawk Down".)
Answer: Ridley Scott
Question #3
With kids aspiring to claw their way up to middle management, the “When I Grow Up” campaign marked the beginning of a six-year Bowl run for which company?
Answer: Monster.com
Question #4
This year’s commercials cost an average of $2.7 million each. How much did a commercial cost in the first Bowl ever played?
Answer: $42,000
Question #5
In 2000, how many Internet companies purchased ads in a game that appropriately became known as the Dot.com Bowl?
Answer: 17
Question #6
This 2000 spot featuring a group of cowboys herding cats had everybody talking the day after the game, but few can remember the tech company behind the ad. Can you?
Answer: Electronic Data Systems (EDS)
Question #7
In 2000, which company’s ad featured two old guys clapping to “La Cucaracha” while a monkey dances atop a trash can with the closing declaration, “We just wasted two million dollars. What are you doing with your money?”
Answer: ETrade
Question #8
A 1997 Pepsi commercial featuring grizzly bears dancing to the Village People’s “YMCA” was inspired by an on-field tradition by which professional baseball team’s grounds crew?
Answer: The New York Yankees
Question #9
In 2001, Budweiser spoofed its then-famous “Whaasup?” commercials in a spot that featured a group of preppy friends saying what not-so-cool version of the same phrase?
Answer: What are you doing?
Question #10
Beginning in 1974, this advertiser locked up its place in big game advertising history by running virtually the same commercial (with few variations each year), in 21 of the next 23 games. (Hint: It featured a sharpshooter taking aim at the company’s product.)
Answer: Masterlock