Budweiser Brings Fans Together Via The Internet For FIFA's World Cup

The 2010 FIFA World Cup is approaching, and to celebrate – and capitalize on – the occasion, Budweiser is recruiting soccer enthusiasts for a new online reality show. “Bud House,” will enlist one person from each of the 32 countries participating in the sporting event to live in “luxurious accommodations” in the Cape Town, South Africa – the location of this year's World Cup.

The Feed Company, a viral promotions agency, is helping Budweiser spread the word to fans, both male and female, everywhere. The games begin on June 11, but excitement for the show is already growing rapidly. “Bud House” will act as a unique way for international fans to interact and react to the goings-on at the 2010 World Cup while Budweiser and computer users sit back and enjoy the show.

Thus far, the show has nothing to do with beer other than the Budweiser sponsorship. Yet thousands of people have already applied for inclusion in the project by submitting short videos that demonstrate their obsession for their nation’s soccer team. It is assumed that Budweiser beer will fill the house's fridge, and – if reality television has taught us anything – it’s that when placing people in a confined environment, adding alcohol to the situation is a guaranteed way to ensure drama.

The World Cup Blog hopes that fans won't be put off by the show’s corporate affiliation: “However you feel about that particular brand of beer, I’m thinking this might (repeat: might) be one of those happy instances where corporate sponsorship creates something worthwhile.”

Really, the idea is marketing genius, and if reality television can make Snookie a star, the possibilities are limitless for the occupants of “Bud House.”