Coke Zero Salutes Coach Nick Saban with Commercial Celebrating What’s Possible
New Ad Narrated by Terry Saban Features Photos from the Saban Family, the University of Alabama and The Coca-Cola Company Archives
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- All season long, Coke Zero has recognized college football fans and the unbridled passion they have for their favorite sport. In a new ad debuting today, Coke Zero pays tribute to every fan’s ultimate dream – a national college football title – and the driving force behind the victorious team, the University of Alabama’s Head Coach, Nick Saban.
The new commercial is narrated by Terry Saban, wife of Nick Saban. It opens and closes with a voiceover from Tom Roberts, the host of the University of Alabama’s game-day broadcasts. In the spot, Terry Saban recounts a series of things people said her husband couldn’t do, all of which he achieved. From “marrying the head majorette from the rival high school” to “winning three titles in four years,” Coach Saban has never backed down from a challenge.
“Throughout his life and career, Coach Saban has shown what’s possible. Coke Zero, which made it possible to ‘Enjoy Everything’ by combining Real Coke Taste and Zero Calories, salutes that spirit,” said Andy McMillan, Vice President, Coca-Cola Trademark, Coca-Cola North America. “We congratulate Coach Saban and the University of Alabama on this historic 15th championship win and celebrate alongside the legions of Crimson Tide fans.”
The Coca-Cola Company has a long relationship with the University of Alabama that dates back more than 70 years. From creating customized programs designed to engage Crimson Tide fans, to offering scholarships to first generation college students through The Coca-Cola Foundation, Coca-Cola has a proud tradition of partnership with the University. Coca-Cola has also partnered with Nick Saban since he joined Alabama in 2007. Coach Saban has been part of a variety of local marketing activities across the state and The Coca-Cola Company actively supports his Nick’s Kids Foundation.
Coach Saban’s relationship with Coca-Cola goes way back, too. His father owned a service station in West Virginia and when Coach Saban was a young boy, he helped keep the Coca-Cola cooler stocked with ice-cold Coca-Cola. When Coach Saban embarked on his coaching career in the early ‘70s in Ohio, he drove a Coca-Cola route truck to make extra income. This job is alluded to in the ad when images of vintage Coca-Cola delivery trucks are shown and Terry Saban notes, “they said he couldn’t make ends meet as a graduate assistant coach.” Today Coach Saban enjoys his favorite beverage, Coke Zero, wherever it’s delivered locally in Tuscaloosa.
The ad premieres on ESPN and will also air on local stations across the state of Alabama. Online, the spot will be posted on YouTube, CokeZero.com and MyCokeRewards.com, with links across a variety of digital and social media, including Facebook, Twitter, and Alabama fan websites. Locally, Coke Zero will salute the University of Alabama’s championship achievement with commemorative packaging and other celebration activities and communications.
“Coke Zero has been celebrating college football all season long and enhancing the everyday football experience for fans,” said McMillan. “This new Coke Zero ad saluting Coach Saban is a great way to wrap up the season and remind people everywhere why their passion for the sport – and ours -- never wanes.”
The new commercial was created by Atlanta-based marketing agency, MELT, which helps develop sports and college programs for Coke Zero.
The new Coke Zero ad can be viewed here: http://CokeURL.com/33qg
About The Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Led by Coca-Cola, the world's most valuable brand, our Company's portfolio features 15 billion-dollar brands including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Georgia and Del Valle. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, ready-to-drink coffees, and juices and juice drinks. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy our beverages at a rate of 1.8 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, support active, healthy living, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world's top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system associates. For more information, visit Coca-Cola Journey at www.coca-colacompany.com, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo or check out our blog, Coca-Cola Unbottled, at www.coca-colablog.com.
The Coca-Cola Company
Susan Stribling, 404-676-4120
sstribling@coca-cola.com
Source: The Coca-Cola Company
Released January 8, 2013