In an unexpected twist, the Bud Light Stage at a local venue in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has undergone a name change and is now known as the Ultra Stage. This decision was made prior to the controversy surrounding Dylan Mulvaney, a biological male who identifies as a woman.
For almost four decades, The Riverbend Festival has used the Bud Light Stage as its secondary stage, drawing in around 15,000 attendees each year. However, due to Anheuser-Busch’s partnership with Mulvaney, the term “Bud Light” has caused quite a stir, resulting in a significant backlash.
The new name, the Ultra Stage, is still affiliated with the Anheuser-Busch family, as it is named after their beer brand, Michelob Ultra. While the festival asserts that the request to change the name was made long before the Mulvaney controversy, some skeptics find it hard to believe.
According to Mickey McCamish, the festival director, Michelob Ultra is the most popular beer among guests, and they were more than willing to accommodate the sponsor’s request for a name change. McCamish mentioned that the request was made in the previous year.
The backlash against Bud Light appears to be gaining momentum, as sales have plummeted. In the week ending May 20, sales dropped by 29.5 percent compared to the previous year, following a staggering 17 percent decline in April. In an effort to sell the beer before it expires, Anheuser-Busch has resorted to heavily discounting Bud Light.
Drinking or ordering a Bud Light has now become entangled with political implications, leading to jokes and criticism. Bud Light has become synonymous with controversy and debate, while consumers simply desire a moment to relax and escape the chaos of the day.
This situation serves as a reminder that divisive branding can actually alienate customers instead of attracting new ones. We would like to hear your thoughts! Do you choose to drink Bud Light? Why or why not?
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