Greg Tarr

LCD Makers Bring The Heat To All-Star Night
July 17, 2008

New York — This proud city became a baseball battleground Tuesday between rival MLB leagues and LCD TV manufacturers during the final All-Star Game at the original Yankee Stadium.

As the top vote-getters in the National and American leagues fought toe-to-toe in a marathon extra-inning affair, executives from Sharp and Sony were engaged in their own contests promoting the Aquos and Bravia LCD TV brands, respectively, to baseball enthusiasts who could appreciate watching the nuances of the game in superior resolution — those who were sober, that is.

The Sharp team set the stage for the evening at the beginning of the week by kicking off a national brand campaign anchored to All-Star Game week. As the official HDTV sponsor of Major League Baseball, the company blanketed the city with various promotions and All-Star-connected venues, including Webster Hall, which served as the company’s mission control for the evening.

The facility was decked out in MLB gear and Aquos LCD TV sets. The company even brought in the heavyweights, from New York Yankee legend Bucky Dent and current pitching ace Joba Chamberlain, to Sharp’s power hitters including Bob Scaglione and Judah Zeigler.

Sony, which for several years has used its Bravia trademark as a major sponsor of a number of MLB stadiums, including Yankee Stadium (old and new), decided to get up close and personal, bringing guests to the Midtown pre-game reception to meet Yankee legend and current San Diego resident (home of Sony’s HQ) Graig Nettles (also a former Padre).

From there, the festivities moved on to the Stadium to witness the game (and the ample Bravia HDNA campaign signage) in all their glory.

The Aquos All-Star Night Mission Control was Webster Hall, which was adorned with almost as many Aquos LCD TVs as baseball pennants (photo by Getty Images).	Sharp’s Judah Zeigler, left, with Yankee legend (and Red Sox killer) Bucky Dent at Webster Hall
Sharp’s Bob Scaglione rubs elbows with present Yankee pitching ace Joba Chamberlain, who hopes to make the All-Star squad next season.	Sony video maven Chris Fawcett (left), wearing a well-weathered Red Sox cap, greets Yankee legend Graig Nettles (center) while Sony’s imaging guru Phil Lubell (right) pleads for Nettles to show his associate mercy.
Sony power hitters Mike Fasulo and Stan Glasgow were seen walking the legendary corridors of Yankee Stadium, presumably as they counted all of the Sony Bravia HDNA campaign signs that greet baseball fans all season.	Hall of Fame pitching legend Bob Feller tips his Cleveland Indians cap during the All-Star Game’s Red Carpet Parade.
A portion of the AL All-Star team prepares for introductions during pre-game ceremonies.	Rock star and cancer survivor Sheryl Crow (left), baseball commissioner Bud Selig (center) and “Sex In The City” star Sarah Jessica Parker make a pitch to fight cancer before the game.

Posted by Greg Tarr on July 17, 2008 | Comments (0)