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Coke Becomes It

July 1, 1916 - Coca-Cola markets its current formula to the public along with its distinct contoured...

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EVENTDAY | July 01

"Coke Becomes It"

Last updated 📅 2025-06-30

July 1, 1916 - Coca-Cola markets its current formula to the public along with its distinct contoured bottle.

Coke has been a long-time sponsor of football at all levels.

Coca-Cola's relationship with American football is deeply ingrained in the sport's cultural fabric, evolving from simple advertising to impactful partnerships. For decades, the iconic beverage brand has leveraged the immense popularity of football, particularly in the United States, to connect with consumers and build brand loyalty.

One of the most famous examples of this connection is the legendary "Hey Kid, Catch!" commercial featuring "Mean" Joe Greene of the Pittsburgh Steelers. This heartwarming ad, which debuted in 1979 (and famously aired during Super Bowl XIV in 1980), transcended traditional advertising to become a pop culture phenomenon. It perfectly blended sports hero worship with a simple act of kindness, making "Mean Joe" Greene's gentle gesture and shared Coke an enduring symbol of goodwill and sportsmanship.

While Coca-Cola has had various local and team-level sponsorships, its broader relationship with the NFL has seen shifts. For a period, Pepsi-Cola outbid Coca-Cola for the official NFL soft drink sponsorship rights in 2002, leading to intense "cola wars" on the sports marketing battleground. Despite this, Coca-Cola has maintained strong ties through individual team sponsorships and its consistent presence as a major advertiser during the Super Bowl, arguably the biggest advertising event of the year.

Beyond professional football, Coca-Cola has also supported the sport at the collegiate level, notably sponsoring the "Coca-Cola Classic" college football game in Tokyo, Japan, from 1986 to 1993. The company also promotes grassroots football initiatives, showing a long-standing commitment to the sport at all levels. Through iconic commercials, strategic sponsorships, and pervasive marketing, Coca-Cola has become almost synonymous with the experience of enjoying American football.

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EventDay

"July 1st: Unpacking Football's Summer Milestones"

Welcome, football fanatics, to a unique journey through gridiron history! While the thunderous roars of autumn Sundays might seem distant, July 1st has quietly played host to pivotal moments shaping American football as we know it. From groundbreaking ownership changes to the birthdates of legendary players and the quiet machinations of league development, this summer day holds surprising significance.
This series will dive into those overlooked anniversaries, uncovering stories that illuminate the sport's evolution, its enduring figures, and the behind-the-scenes decisions that built the NFL and college football. Join us as we explore how July 1st, year after year, adds crucial chapters to the rich tapestry of American football history. Welcome, football fanatics, to a unique journey through gridiron history! While the thunderous roars of autumn Sundays might seem distant, July 1st has quietly played host to pivotal moments shaping American football as we know it. From groundbreaking ownership changes to the birthdates of legendary players and the quiet machinations of league development, this summer day holds surprising significance...

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