No offense to the Bears' tremendous tradition, but as someone who lives in Chicago -- yet has no strong rooting interest for any of the local teams -- I must admit I am a little surprised at the franchise's new campaign that brands the Bears with the following slogan:
"One city. One team."
Not that the Bears aren't a hot topic around here most of the year, but the Chicago Cubs -- they are still in first place, are they not? -- might have a little something to say about that "one team" business.
I understand that the Bears are the one football club here in town, but it's not as if there isn't a way to take this in a different light if you live here and root for multiple teams with equal fervor. It's far from offensive, but I thought it was interesting nonetheless.
Here's the official release from the Bears:
BEARS LAUNCH “ONE CITY. ONE TEAM.” BRAND CAMPAIGN
LAKE FOREST, IL — The Chicago Bears announced the launch of a new brand campaign featuring the special bond between the city, team and its fans. The “One City. One Team.” brand initiative kicks off Saturday night during the Bears/Seahawks preseason game on WFLD-TV beginning at 8 pm Chicago time.
Bears fans take a starring role alongside players and Head Coach Lovie Smith as the campaign focuses on the passion exhibited throughout all aspects of Bears football. To enhance the authenticity, fans were chosen over actors or models throughout the majority of the campaign. The Bears selected advertising agency Two by Four to lead the creative process.“We feel it is important to let our fans and business partners know they are a part of our team and we appreciate the unbelievable support they provide every year,” Bears President and CEO Ted Phillips said.
The brand campaign is scheduled to be featured on outdoor mediums (billboards, buses and bus shelters) beginning August 18, television beginning August 16, on-line beginning August 18 and radio beginning August 28. All aspects of the campaign will be available for public viewing on ChicagoBears.com beginning Monday, August 18.
This year’s brand campaign is an extension of the year-round opportunities offered to Bears fans. In addition to the programming provided during the football season, the Chicago Bears host events throughout the offseason and maintain an interactive website where fans are able to enjoy unparalleled access to the team.
Comments (4)
First you are talking about 2 differant sports and as much the City of Chicago loves their baseball teems, yes there are two. Also they are both in 1st place, why Cubs fans think they have a lock on Chicago baseball is beyond me. The fact remains this is a football town always has been and always will be. I am a White Sox fan and I loved the 2005 season but I was still more interested in the Bears, To me football is a year round sport and even though I like baseball, I only pay attention to it during the season. Which by the way is way to long.
I take football and the Bears over baseball any day.
Posted by Richard Nelson | August 14, 2008 1:07 PM
Posted on August 14, 2008 13:07
First you are talking about 2 differant sports and as much the City of Chicago loves their baseball teems, yes there are two. Also they are both in 1st place, why Cubs fans think they have a lock on Chicago baseball is beyond me. The fact remains this is a football town always has been and always will be. I am a White Sox fan and I loved the 2005 season but I was still more interested in the Bears, To me football is a year round sport and even though I like baseball, I only pay attention to it during the season. Which by the way is way to long.
I take football and the Bears over baseball any day.
Posted by Richard Nelson | August 14, 2008 1:08 PM
Posted on August 14, 2008 13:08
Not sure what the point of this article is or what it is you found to be of issue? Why should Cub fans only take issue? Why not the White Sox fans who are equally in first place in their own respective division. The fact is there is no issue at all with the Bears new slogan.
Posted by Dean Othello | August 14, 2008 5:48 PM
Posted on August 14, 2008 17:48
Ahhh, now the world (at least those who read this website) can see why it is so frustrating being a Sox fan. As Paul Konerko was catching the throw from Juan Uribe to record the last out again the Astros, the Sox were still considered the number 2 baseball team in Chicago by Cubs fans. Get the f*** over yourself. I root for the Cubs to do well, but I will never consider myself a Cubs fan. Having said that, I hate Cubs fans who look down on the Sox. You must really love yourself if you think a team 3 years from winning the whole thing as an inferior team.
As far as the two first place baseball teams being offended by this, only a Cubs fan would feel the least bit hurt by another professional sports team trying to build a little excitement. Its like Pepsi getting upset by a Miller Lite campaign.
Posted by John Vojtech | August 15, 2008 2:25 PM
Posted on August 15, 2008 14:25