ESPN commentator Chris Berman helps unveil new augmented-reality
experience at San Francisco event
KANSAS CITY, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep. 11, 2013--
Football, as any coach knows, is all about timing. Just in time for
football season, Applebee’s® restaurants has debuted the ESPN
Fan Zone at Applebee’s, a new venture between the worldwide leader in
sports and the world’s largest casual dining restaurant chain.
ESPN Commentator Chris Berman, Apple American Group President & CEO Greg Flynn, and Applebee's President Mike Archer cut into a five-foot-long Boo-Yah! Brew Pretzel to mark the launch of ESPN Fan Zones at Applebee's restaurants across the country on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013. ESPN Fan Zones at Applebee's feature a unique and interactive "augmented reality" experience, in which fans have the opportunity to win an Ultimate Fan Cave from Anheuser-Busch, an Ultimate Tailgate Vehicle from Miller-Coors and a trip to their favorite team's game while decked out in gear from Pepsi. (Photo: Business Wire)
The new environment gives fans across the country a unique destination,
created by brands they love, to watch the game with friends.
“ESPN has become synonymous with gameday,” said Mike Archer, Applebee’s
president. “Bringing that viewing experience to Applebee’s gives our
sports crazed Guests the electric atmosphere of watching the big game on
TV with the neighborhood.”
ESPN commentator Chris Berman and Archer ceremonially cut a five-foot
“Boo Yah! Brew Pretzel” during an event at the new Fisherman’s Wharf
Applebee’s in San Francisco, the world’s second-largest Applebee’s
location, to signal the launch of ESPN Fan Zones at Applebee’s
restaurants across the country.
Video assets of ceremony available for download at http://www.repinteractive.com/draft/fanzone/
password: fanzone01.
Highlighting the experience is a special, Chris Berman-themed Applebee's
Fan Scan smartphone game, accessible only at ESPN Fan Zones at
Applebee's, which gives fans the opportunity to win weekly instant
prizes and three grand prizes throughout the season, including:
-
An Ultimate Fan Cave from Anheuser-Busch
-
An Ultimate Tailgate Vehicle from Miller-Coors, and
-
A trip to one Guest's favorite team's game outfitted with all the gear
they need from Pepsi
“No matter what team’s territory you’re in, the odds are good an
Applebee’s restaurant is nearby,” said Ed Erhardt, president, ESPN
global customer marketing and sales. “At ESPN our mission is to serve
fans and The ESPN Fan Zone extends that mission directly into fans’
favorite neighborhood bar and grill.”
As part of the experience, Guests will also be able to choose from a new
Game Time Menu with selections ranging from Boo Yah! Brew Pretzels, to
Team Wonton Tacos, and Boom Boom Boneless Buffalo Wings.
About Applebee’s International, Inc.
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar® (www.applebees.com)
is the world’s largest casual dining chain, with approximately 2,000
locations in 49 states, 15 countries and one U.S. territory. Based in
Kansas City, Mo., Applebee’s takes pride in providing a welcoming,
neighborhood environment where everyone can enjoy the dining experience.
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar® is a DineEquity, Inc. (NYSE: DIN)
brand, and is franchised and operated by Applebee’s International, Inc.
and its affiliates.
About ESPN
ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment company, features more
than 50 assets – seven U.S. television networks, ESPN International,
ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN The Magazine, and more. ESPN is 80
percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney
Company) and 20 percent by The Hearst Corporation.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20130911005589/en/
Source: Applebee’s International, Inc.
Applebee’s
Dan Smith, 913-890-0370
dan.smith@applebees.com
