(Image: Facebook)
BY JIM FLINK
ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY
Budweiser and Facebook -- launching a first.
Livestreaming the world’s biggest game-- on the world’s biggest social networking platform.
The FA cup -- kicks off on Facebook Friday night .... Footie and Facebook?
Marketing magic. Sky News reports, its what the FA hoped for when it signed the big American brewer back in June.
The matchup? Not exactly Premier League titans -- but imagine the possibilities.
“NON-LEAGUE sides Ascot United and Wembley FC will kick off this season's FA Cup on Friday night, with the game being streamed to a potential audience of 700 million people.”
Ascot chairman Mike Harrison calls it ‘the biggest thing that has ever happened to the club.’ Gadget Helpline -- a bit underwhelmed.
“It’s not the epic Premier standard clash we’d have hoped for but ... combining Footie and Facebook – pretty groundbreaking ... exposure for teams that may not always get the same media glorification of some of our top teams.”
Exposure yes -- but to a streamlined crowd. Or so The Guardian says.
“...the match … will only be available to those of legal drinking age … aged 18 and over and have ‘liked’ Budweiser's Facebook page to gain access...”
For its part, Facebook is playing nice -- and stern -- noting the stream is not endorsed by, administered by or associated with the networking website.
Facebook also hasn’t committed to livestreaming any other games - yet.
Unless this game -- pops the top -- off a whole new venue.
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