Fans face boot for eating or drinking wrong brands at games
In a far cry from the high-minded ideals of humanity and tolerance embodied by the Olympics, the organizers of the Athens games have warned spectators that they could be barred for taking a surreptitious sip of Pepsi or an illicit bite from a Burger King Whopper.
Strict regulations published by Athens 2004 last week dictate that spectators may be refused admission to events if they are carrying food or drinks made by companies that did not see fit to sponsor the games.
Sweltering sports fans who seek refuge from the soaring temperatures with a soft drink other than one made by Coca-Cola will be told to leave the banned refreshment at the gates or be shut out. High on the list of blacklisted beverages is Pepsi, but even the wrong bottle of water could land spectators in trouble.
Fans will be allowed into the Olympic complex if they are drinking Avra, a Greek mineral water owned by Coca-Cola, which paid $60 million US for the privilege of being one of the main sponsors. Officials are under orders not to let in rival brands' bottles unless the labels are removed.
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No one really cares about the Olympics. It used to be cool when it was the USA vs. the USSR. Even Atlanta was mildly interesting. Now it's lame and boring...
ReplyDeleteThe greatest sports spectacle has to be the World Cup. The Superbowl also ranks up up there but unlike the World Cup, it's only one game. There is no build up like the FIFA World Cup (from an outsider's perspective).
Ask anyone in the world what they would rather watch (Olympics or World Cup/Superbowl) and chances they will not pick the first choice.
I don't disagree.
ReplyDeleteBut I still think this sponsorship thing is ridiculous. Who cares if someone brings a Pepsi into the arena. I won't be sitting at home, see that Pepsi guy in the stands and think, "hmmm, I was in the mood for a coke but that guys seems to really be enjoying that Pepsi. I think I will go get a Pepsi instead..."
This makes me want to head to Athens with a case of Diet Pepsi!
ReplyDeleteExactly, and is Coke really going to recoup their $60 million solely through sales at the event venues? I think not - in fact, this kind of negative publicity will do more to counteract their advertising than having random spectators carrying in a bottle of Pepsi.
ReplyDeleteThat's b/c the Olympic organizers are a bunch of idiots.
ReplyDeleteThey should focus on making the Olympic games more interesting to watch rather than police spectators, especially on what food or drink they have in their hand.
Dummies...
Unfortunately, it doesn't matter what the organizers do to spice the Games up as much as what NBC decides to package/show to us. I like the Olympics (though I prefer the Winter to Summer Games), but I get tired of watching pre-produced documentaries about the dog of the second-best javelin thrower from Uzbekhistan. I'd much rather watch some obscure sport that I would otherwise never get to see, and see someone compete who is either just happy to be competing with the world's best or who wins unexpectedly. That is the true drama and stories of the Olympics.
ReplyDeleteNBC also brought us the XFL....=)
ReplyDeleteThey've been saying we're going to get a lot more coverage this year, more in line with European-style (showing a game from start to finish with not a lot of commentating). Since they're having 24-hour coverage (on NBC and NBC-owned channels, MSNBC, Bravo, USA, etc.), they'll be lots of chances to see more of the sports, including ones where the US isn't expected to win (i.e. those they usually hide from us or assume we don't care about), even though it may be in the middle of the night.
ReplyDeleteWho knows, will probably just give them enough time to create more tear-jerking profiles........
Alright, comments that I'm about to make usually stop all further comments; but how about "Gladiator games" like they had in that movie "Gladiator". Just a though.
ReplyDeleteHmm--second thought, scratch that! :)
Well, I'll watch because I love to watch sports, and we'll just see how much better their coverage is. I hope that's true, especially since most everything will be tape-delayed, which just gives over-anxious producers more time to "creatively edit" the tape. Just have to hope for the best!
ReplyDeleteGive me the Special Olympics any day...now THAT would be interesting to watch.
ReplyDeleteInstead of watching annoying overachievers, you can watch people that just want to achieve.
Y, and what about the 'Dream Teams'??? Spare me. Putting professionals in a sport just defeats the purpose. I'm with Walter on this one, the Olympics have lost their luster. And now that I know I won't be seeing anyone enjoying a Pepsi? I think I'll tune out.
ReplyDeleteAs a nation who loves violence in movies (as much as a crack head loves to smoke his crack) I say that's a GREAT idea!
ReplyDeleteUltimate Fighting should be an Olympic event!
Right on Debbie...welcome to the winning team.
ReplyDeleteMaybe they could create a reality TV show about the omlympians and pair up countries teammates with other countries teams. The Axis of Evil team members could live in the same house as the coalition of the willing teammates, "Real World Olympics">
ReplyDeleteI like the winter Olypics much better. The hockey chjampionships.
I think that the wrestling would be cool to watch.
Actually, now that I think about it, I think I'm going to buy a case of Diet Pepsi tomorrow so I can enjoy the Olympics with my favorite beverage...
ReplyDeleteAnd I could DEFINITELY care less about any "Dream Team" (although I will surely root more for the soccer teams that have pros on them than the basketball teams).
lol--Yes, I'm with you guys. What about Jolt Cola? That's a sof drink for champions.
ReplyDeleteGreat Idea!
ReplyDeleteI don't know if the other countries would go for it, though - we seem to have the market cornered on the requisite "annoying guy who pisses other people off for the fun of it" character.
That would be a pretty scary thought having Jolt Cola at the Olympic games. I'll stick with Pepsi big guy.
ReplyDeleteIf MMA could get better organized, with one main ruling body, they would make a great Olympic sport. Unfortunately, the biggest market, and money, is in Japan; and they like it more WWF than UFC.
ReplyDeleteIs the "Axis of Evil" participating in this years Olympics? If they are, what is there flag insignia?
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to let everyone know that I'm doing my part to thumb my nose at the commercialism of the Olympics by viewing the opening ceremonies tonight with some Burger King and a bottle of Diet Pepsi. Rock on!
ReplyDeletegood article on how the Olympics are not so special...
ReplyDelete