College Colors Controversy

If anyone's been paying attention to the press lately, you've probably noticed that the Lawrence Journal-World has published an article sending up the new Anheuser-Busch marketing ploy to sell college-themed cases of beer. The new 24-packs of Bud Light include the local college colors decorating each can with limited-edition racing stripes allowing fans to celebrate their favorite college teams while enjoying their favorite brew.

The University of Kansas has been cited as having the opinion that the new college-themed can design supports underage drinking and advertises, in particular, to those under the age of 21.

Now, I understand why the university thinks that team colors on beer cans encourage team fans to drink more. However, keep in mind that we are in a world that has soda-pop style malt beverages like Mike's Hard Lemonade, Sparks, Joose, and wine coolers. The universities that threaten to sue Anheuser-Busch over the use of team colors run the risk of biting off more than they can chew. I figure that if soda companies don't have a case to sue malt beverage companies for creating similar sweet beverages containing alcohol, then universities should not be allowed to do so, either. Budweiser could make their beer in hot pink cans, and universities wouldn't care. It's only when the crimson and blue is donned on the cans that KU becomes concerned with underage drinking.

Honestly, doesn't it seem that KU is trying to claim ownership of the color combination of Red and Blue? What about the other colleges that have red and blue as their school colors? What about my high school that I graduated from? Seaman High School, in Topeka, KS, has red and blue as the school colors, yet no one from USD 345 is concerned with Budweiser's marketing strategy. Further, what about schools that already have the color scheme of blue and white (the standard colors on a Bud Light can)? Do they have the same right to sue?

As you can see, this issue is still a pretty hot topic in the town of Lawrence. I will keep the public informed as far as what is going on as I hear details. Until then, feel free to swing by and pick up your own limited edition 24 pack of Bud Light clad in your favorite school colors: crimson and blue.