Mass transit's guide to a refreshing soccer match
We've all been thinking, "If only there were a way to commercialize this international soccer tournament."
Of course, as we think about it, we think, "international soccer tournament," and not "World Cup" because otherwise, our minds would have to pay FIFA for rights fees.
However, since #ScaiaBlog (and #ScaiPod, also available on Spotify!) is a journalistic organization, we can call it the World Cup because we're not trying to sell you anything. We're just here to inform.
For instance, today, let us inform you everyone else is trying to sell you something, and that leads to a conundrum. Team Sweden is training at the home of FC Dallas in Frisco. Normally, it's called "Toyota Stadium," but FIFA has its own sponsors, so the facility is now just called, "Stadium." And any sign of Toyota has been removed out so you'd never know.
In Arlington, AT&T Stadium is now called, "Dallas Stadium." "AT&T" is normally written on giant letters on the roof, but those are covered up.
You can still see a bit of the logo, though. You just have to look more closely than in Frisco.
FIFA has its own sponsors, so it's understandable they're trying to protect their brand (Note from FIFA's legal team: We want to emphasize this blog has nothing to do with us. Maybe even put "nothing" in bold and italics.).
But America is a land of ingenuity. Our business community has found workarounds. For instance, I was at an affair where we were encouraged to try the Golden Boot Cocktail.
If you're trying to cut back on the amount of liquor you drink from a cleat, several other brands have found workarounds. One might say their "GOOOOAAAL" is to let visitors know they're serving chicken, healthcare, legal counsel or a raucous game of craps.
One might say that. I wouldn't, of course.
Coca Cola is an official sponsor, though, so they can reference goooooals and the World Cup.
But "Coke" won't be held to just nine letters. You can fit twice that many on trains!
We're all finding ways to make this World Cup our own, but local government leaders say this isn't the end. Once the World Cup is over, they have to get ready for the State Fair of Texas, then the Dallas Cowboys' new season. Plus, we'll have other big sporting events and concerts. Arlington had the Final Four in 2014 and will have it again in 2030.
An associate has historically greeted me by doing a karate kick while she exclaims, "Scaiiii-YAH!" So maybe we try to score the Karate World Senior Championships, too, and you'll see an exciting new wave of billboards packed with products you might like to try.
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