Budweiser's Super Bowl Commercial: Celebrating 150 Years with Clydesdales and Eagles
Budweiser has a long history of using the Super Bowl to connect its iconic Clydesdale horses with the national sentiment. This year, the beer company's message is clear. In a bold Big Game commercial, a young Clydesdale pony forms a lifelong bond with a baby bald eagle, set to the tune of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Free Bird." The spot, airing during Super Bowl LX on NBC, celebrates Budweiser's 150th anniversary and America's 250th birthday. Todd Allen, Budweiser's senior vice president of marketing, promises a commercial that will leave fans in awe and proud to enjoy a Budweiser as they commemorate shared milestone moments.
The Clydesdales have become a Super Bowl staple, with their appearance in 2026 marking their 48th overall in the advertising lineup of the football extravaganza. Budweiser's marketing has always been intertwined with the national mood. The Clydesdales played a significant role in helping the nation heal after the 9/11 attacks and have been featured in various impactful commercials over the years. This year's commercial, directed by Henry-Alex Rubin, continues the tradition of using classic rock anthems to resonate with a broad audience, a strategy that has proven successful in previous Super Bowl campaigns.
As the Budweiser commercial airs during the Super Bowl, it will reach a diverse and polarized audience of American consumers. With the nation currently focused on issues such as immigration enforcement, economic tariffs, and international tensions, the commercial's reception may vary among viewers. The Clydesdales' association with Budweiser dates back to 1933 when they were gifted to August A. Busch, Sr. to celebrate the end of Prohibition. Today, Anheuser-Busch operates three traveling Clydesdale teams that tour the country, showcasing these majestic horses to the public.
The success of Budweiser's latest commercial will ultimately depend on how consumers perceive the Clydesdales in the context of current events and societal attitudes. The enduring appeal of these iconic horses and their connection to American history make them a symbol of tradition and celebration for many. Budweiser's Super Bowl commercials have a history of resonating with audiences, and this year's spot aims to capture the spirit of unity and pride as the nation commemorates significant milestones.