Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio Announces “Bud Bowl Responsibility Day” To Recognize Safe-Ride Home Initiatives For Super Bowl
Free TECO Trolley in Ybor City and Car Towing Services Available to the Public
TAMPA, Fla. (Jan. 29) — In an effort to drive home responsible drinking before Sunday’s big game, Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio declared today, January 29, as “Bud Bowl Responsibility Day” in recognition of Anheuser-Busch’s efforts to help ensure partygoers who participate in Bud Bowl festivities arrive home safely.
Together at a press conference were representatives from Anheuser-Busch and its local distributors Pepin Distributing and Great Bay Distributors, AAA Auto Club South, Florida Highway Patrol, Hillsborough County Commission, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Remove Intoxicated Drivers, TECO Line Streetcar System, and ZINGO.
“It’s important for us to come together as a community and reinforce responsible behavior and encourage those who drink to use a designated driver,” said Iorio. “Anheuser-Busch and its many partners in the community have taken great strides to ensure partygoers have a good time, but also get home safely during this celebratory time.”
Anheuser-Busch partnered with AAA Auto Club South on its “Tow to Go” program that provides patrons and their vehicles with a free ride – and tow – home if they’ve had too much to drink. “Tow to Go” is available in the Tampa Bay area from Friday, Jan. 30, through Sunday, Feb. 1, by calling 1-800-AAA-HELP. The program is endorsed by the Florida Highway Patrol and is available in Florida, Georgia and Metro Nashville; the program has provided more than 9,000 safe rides home during its 10-year history.
“This is our fifth year partnering with Anheuser-Busch to offer ‘Tow to Go’ during pro football’s biggest weekend,” said Ed Schatzman, senior vice president of automotive services for AAA Auto Club South. “We encourage everyone who’s attending or hosting a party to celebrate this year’s Bud Bowl events or the football game to be responsible and have a designated driver.”
Anheuser-Busch also will sponsor the TECO trolley in Ybor City and provide free fares for partygoers headed to Bud Bowl festivities or other events in Channelside and downtown Tampa. Individuals are encouraged to park in the Ybor City parking garages, where safe-ride options will be available upon their return. The Ybor City trolley will feature Anheuser-Busch’s “Who’s Your Bud? Choose a Designated Driver” signage.
In addition, consumers interested in receiving a ride for both themselves and their vehicles can call ZINGO, which will be stationed in the parking garages in Ybor City as well as select bars and restaurants in Tampa. When ZINGO is notified that someone needs a safe ride home, a ZINGO representative rides a foldable scooter to meet the customer at his/her vehicle, places the scooter in the trunk of the vehicle and then drives that person home. After delivering the customer to his/her residence, the ZINGO representative retrieves the scooter and returns to help the next patrons. ZINGO’s number in Tampa is 1-877-ZINGO-11 (946-4611).
“Whether they’re attending Bud Bowl festivities or watching the game at a home party or their favorite sports bar, fans can make the game-winning play simply by designating a driver before the celebrations begin,” said Carol Clark, Anheuser-Busch vice president of corporate social responsibility. “As a good party host, we’ll also be promoting responsible drinking and the use of designated drivers at our Bud Bowl events to help make sure our guests celebrate responsibly and get home safely.”
At Bud Bowl, guests will be encouraged to check out the “Who’s Your Bud?” tent for information on Anheuser-Busch’s designated-driver and safe-ride initiatives, as well as the company’s responsibility efforts. Patrons who leave the party will have several safe-ride options available to them: “Tow to Go,” ZINGO, the Ybor City trolley, and taxis.
Fortunately, Bud Bowl partygoers will join millions of Americans in “doing the ride thing” this weekend. Nearly two out of three adults – more than 137 million Americans – have been a designated driver or been driven home by one, according to a recent survey conducted by TNS Custom Research Inc. on behalf of Anheuser-Busch.
Since 1982, Anheuser-Busch and its nationwide network of 600 wholesalers, including the 30 in Florida, have invested more than $750 million in national advertising campaigns and community-based programs to promote responsible drinking and prevent alcohol abuse, including drunk driving. For more information on these efforts and the progress being made, visit www.beeresponsible.com.
AAA Auto Club South is the fourth largest affiliate of AAA, with 78 branch offices serving more than 4.1 million members in Florida, Georgia, West and Middle Tennessee, and Puerto Rico. Since its founding in 1938, AAA Auto Club South has worked to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve travel safety.