This Weekend Will Be “Super”
It’s Super Bowl Weekend…again. In some respects, it feels a little like the movie Groundhog Day, where the incomparable Bill Murray wakes up to the same day over and over and over again (a moment Jeep spoofed in this classic 2020 Super Bowl Ad).
Kansas City and Philadelphia will be playing each other in the Big Game. It’s like 2023 all over again. Record inflation rates in 2022 pushed food prices higher – and eggs hit the highest level ever. Looks like that might be another record broken this week – and I’m not talking about a Chiefs 3-peat.
Inflation of hen fruit aside, the economy seems to be headed in the right direction albeit slowly. When the Nielsen numbers come out I expect less people will be watching the Big Game, and the majority of those who do watch it will stay-in. Almost ⅔ of Americans have cut their non-essential spending which means they are staying home and not going out. They are buying more at the grocery store and spending less on dining out and entertainment.
As a result you’ll find that Aldi is advertising game day snacks at 35% and that Buffalo Wild Wings and Hooters are trying to attract diners to visit their locations…and offering big deals on take-out specials for chicken wings.
The cost of an ad in this Sunday’s Super Bowl will top $8 million bucks, but the average price for an in-person ticket dropped 35% from last year’s record prices.
Perhaps the biggest reason why the audience this year will be smaller is the deja vu factor. We’ve seen this matchup before – Chiefs vs Eagles – in 2023. And they are the #1 and #3 most-hated NFL franchises, according to a recent survey by Bet Online. The Chiefs moved ahead of #2 Dallas Cowboys.
Win, lose, or draw, I’ll be watching the Big Game for the ads and just like I have done for the last 13 years, I will rundown my top three favorites and top three stinkers on a TV and radio near you on Monday. So far, I’ve been invited to call in WRVA, in addition to visiting the news crew at WRIC – 8News on Monday morning and jumping over to Capital Ale House on Monday afternoon to sit in with the crew from WRNL/The Fan Sports Radio at 2 pm.
As always, I love to hear from you. If you see a Super Bowl ad you really LOVED or really HATED, send me a note. I might include it in my list! Have a “super” weekend.
MONDAY:
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
This month and every month, we celebrate the voices, achievements, and legacies of Black leaders who have shaped our communities and industries. From creative storytelling to brilliant innovations, their impact fuels us to think boldly and create meaningfully.
Check out M+M’s social media accounts to see how we’re honoring Black History Month.
TUESDAY:
EPIC: TAKE 2
Accounts Director Allison Nida, Account Executive Ava Coles, Sr. Communications Manager Derek Fair, and Copywriter Robyn Quarles hit the road again to film another part of a video project we’re doing for our awesome clients at EPIC Pharmacies — this time to EPIC Pharmacies’ HQ and Mechanicsville Drug Store in Mechanicsville. The team reported that everything about the shoot went great, including the weather this time. Can’t wait to see the final project!
WEDNESDAY:
2ND ANNIVERSARY OF OLD BLUE LINE + CEASEFIRE VIRGINIA
“We’re not just responding to violence. We’re working to prevent it.” –Roanoke Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr.
Since we partnered with The Office of the Attorney General for Operation Ceasefire Virginia, it’s been reported that there has already been a 30% decrease in murders across Virginia and an 11% decrease in overall violent crime compared to the last year.
We are so proud to be a part of making Virginia a safer place for everyone. Watch the full video here.
THURSDAY:
GROWING CREATIVE COLLECTIVE
Our Creative Team is on the grow again! Do you or someone you know know the “ins and outs” of design software, have a knack for color theory, or want to join a fun and creative group of peers? Send ‘em our way because we’re hiring a Graphic Designer!
FRIDAY:
ON THE AIR
I was on the WRVA airwaves again this fine Friday morning talking about the happenings around RVA this weekend. Aside from the Super Bowl, there are several cool things to do in and around the Capital City. ICYMI – here’s the link!
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS
Virginia is for Logo Lovers
Friday, February 7 | 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Home Fire Gallery
4034 MacArthur Ave
Lost in Progress Exhibit, featuring 12 local designers who will showcase their logos and discuss the process.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH: PORTALS PROJECT
February 1 – February 28
Recurring daily; free, self-guided
Location: 100 N. 17th Street Richmond, VA 23219
Step into Richmond’s past this Black History Month. Explore the “Portals” project in Shockoe Bottom (Feb 1-28), a free self-guided tour showcasing incredible street life photos from yesteryear, blended with powerful artwork by local artists. Don’t miss this unique journey through time. Call (804) 646-0954 to learn more.
GALENTINE’S DAY MARKET
Saturday, February 8 | 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Galentine’s Day Market
Location: Benchtop Brewing Co.
434 Hull Street Richmond, VA 23224
In collaboration with Fountain Book Store, Benchtop Brewing Co. is hosting a lovely day of books, brews, food, and local vendors ready with handmade gifts for those dear to you. All love is welcome!
“I predict one of these two teams will win the Super Bowl.” – Gilbert Gottfried