Mike Holmgren Has Another Way to Get His Gravy Fix

Posted by ryan on May 24, 2007

jones-soda-custom.jpgIf you ask any NFL fan what their favorite stadium beverage is, they would obviously answer any sort of alcohol Coke or Pepsi, the two soft drink giants. But Seattle Seahawks fans will have another option: Seattle-based Jones Soda. Jones secured the exclusive rights to sales at Qwest Field for the next five years, according to SeattlePI. It’s the first time an NFL stadium has poured something other than Pepsi or Coke.

“It’s exciting. It shows we have the confidence of the Seahawks and their management team that we can deliver. We feel very comfortable. We will create an opportunity for them and exceed their expectations,” Jones Chief Executive Peter van Stolk said in a phone interview.

To say this is a surprise for NFL business is an understatement. Jones’ 2006 sales were a meager $39 million compared to Coca-Cola’s sales of $24 billion and Pepsi’s $12 billion. Their sales power is evident in the number of commercials and all-around dominance of the soft drink market throughout the league. 17 stadiums in the NFL sell Coke products while 14 stadiums sell Pepsi. Then there’s Seattle, who will now offer a company that’s more known for gimmicky flavors than traditional drinks.

Jones is famous for selling a 2004 Holiday Pack of sodas, with flavors that included Turkey and Gravy, Green Bean Casserole, and Mashed Potatoes. While we only expect those flavors to be delivered to Mike Holmgren’s office bloodstream, the company plans on selling six flavors at Qwest Field. As part of the promotion, Jones bottles will feature various pictures of Seahawks players and fans. Maybe this will be one of the designs.

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