[manny_santos]

The John Labatt Centre isn't even 10 years old, and the powers that be are rebranding it already??

The John Labatt Centre, or JLC, has become a well-known brand in London and even Southern Ontario. Why the sudden need to change the name? What damage was the JLC name doing? How many millions of dollars per year is this going to make Labatt? Zero?

From my standpoint with my marketing background, I think it's a really stupid move, a waste of time, and a waste of money to re-brand what has only recently become a well-known facility. It seems like re-branding is some sort of corporate fad. Look at Rogers Centre, or more locally, The New PL...er, A-Channel...er, what's it called this month?

I've worked with some junior marketing consultants, and for some reason they seem to have an obsession with re-branding everything they can get their hands on, just because it's a fun activity. It seems to be an easy solution to marketing issues that are usually a lot more complex than a brand name. I almost guarantee the JLC rebranding was invented by a 20-year-old in another city who has never been to London.

However, I'd like to hear from our resident marketing expert, MolsonExport. (On a side note, will he be rebranding his SSP handle to a brand of beer produced in London? :cool:)

[Snark]

The John Labatt Centre, or JLC, has become a well-known brand in London and even Southern Ontario. Why the sudden need to change the name?

Because the current name is not pushing a specific corporate product, nor a part of any specific marketing strategy the company is pursuing. I'm sure that they consider the lack of a specific product name in the current title makes it an underutilized asset from a marketing standpoint. And here is the key issue in regard to getting their brand of choice in the facility name: The 2013 World Figure Skating Championships and its 150 million worldwide viewers. One can imagine how many thousands of times and in how many languages the word Budweiser will be uttered on worldwide television during the week-long duration of the broadcast of the event. And for the parent company of Labatts, Anheuser-Busch InBev N.V., Bud is a brand of theirs that they market all over the world, including China. Outside of Canada and some regional markets in the U.S., almost no one has ever heard of Labatts.

From my standpoint with my marketing background, I think it's a really stupid move, a waste of time, and a waste of money to re-brand what has only recently become a well-known facility

Agreed that the name recognition has been huge for not only the facility, but the city as well. After the figure skating championships are over, the name change to a bland and very unexceptional product will hurt the image of the facility and the city and cause confusion to the event-going public. After all, the traditional image of the product's market demographic is primarily one of working-class mid-western Americans. Budweiser Gardens sounds like a place that sweaty, dirty steelworkers from Gary Indiana go to for cheap cold beer after a hard day in the coke mills prior to heading home and beating their wives. This is not the image that London needs. Anheuser-Busch InBev N.V. is not however going to be concerned about the current "JLC" local name recognition value for the facility, or the city - as it is headquartered 6,000 km's away. Their concern is about their brand of choice being up on yet another lighting standard that will receive global attention for a week.

I almost guarantee the JLC rebranding was invented by a 20-year-old in another city who has never been to London.

Like I said, they are 6,000 km's away. I'll go one further and guess that the marketing people at Anheuser-Busch InBev that pushed this had never even heard of John Labatt, London, or for that matter Ontario until the WFSC was coming to London. The 2 million or so people that the JLC, er... Budweiser Gardens serves is an insignificant beer market to them. I suspect that there is simply a broader strategy that has them pushing Bud real hard in several key global markets (especially Asia), and the diktat from head office to their regional offices (such as Labatts in Toronto) is to simply get a Bud label attached to anything that they can get their hands on that will support that strategy.

I'm sure that if their strategy was to get different one of their brands marketed hard, the arena would be named after that brand... perhaps their Ukrainian Chernigivske beer brand for example. The JLC could then be renamed as the "Chernigivske People's Hall For Glorious Sport Competition And Cultural Exposition"

There is an important lesson in this: things that people consider part of their community (such as in this case London's proud association with the Labatt heritage) have in fact been sold to powerful corporations who frequently have no reciprocal feelings towards that community. A company headquartered out of Holland owns all things Labatt, and on their whim that name could all be ended tomorrow if that's what they wanted.

There is nothing good in this re-branding for London or the facility. It will in fact in the long term cause confusion amongst the event-going public, likely hurting sales and attendance - especially from out of town visitors. The image of the product in this part of the world is one of American mediocrity - not helping the image of the facility or city.

This is about a giant multi-national corporation purchasing week-long global exposure for one of their key brands.

[MolsonExport]

^I totally concur. Seems almost that Labatt cares not one wit for marketing in the city that was its birthplace. Go to say, the Grad Club at UWO and see what is heavily marketed: Sleeman beers, Alexander Keith, Big Rock, Wellington, etc. Labatt? Nowhere to be seen.
Budweiser, with their ugly logo and terrible product, will only cheapen the image of the JLC. I hope that the community will rally against the proposal. Whatever sponsorship money would come in, it is not worth it to the image of the facility.

http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/2012/06/23/19912911-lfp.html

I almost retched reading this utter tripe. Lowest-common denominator "beer" is simply what Budweiser is.

Joe, you disappoint me (again). Selling your soul for a few bucks from a lousy beer brand.

[isaidso]

They're systematically destroying the Labatt brand and supplanting it with their own brands. That used to be the #1 beer brand in Canada and now look at it. They've done little to maintain the Labatt brand let alone introduce the brand globally. Being part of Inbev has been a disaster for the Labatt brand. I wouldn't be surprised if in 10 years they discontinue the Labatt brand completely and have the audacity to argue that no one was interested in it any more.

[go_leafs_go02]

From what I remember, they don't even serve Labatt Blue at Knights games anymore. It's all Budweiser and Bud Light (at least in draught)

I can't even think of a single restaurant/pub or whatever that has Labatt on tap. Really - I can't.

While I understand the affinity to the JLC namesake, I can see wanting to market the building from a more worldwide name. Even in BC, Labatt is non-existent. Budweiser - completely different story.

I've had one bottle of Labatt Blue once - and I can't say it was anything to write home about.

[MolsonExport]

Bud is the number one beer in Canada. It usually tops (or ties with coor light) on the Beer Store's top 10 list.

The brew is truly vile. Who the hell drinks it, and why? It is beyond bad beer.

Labatt Blue is nothing special but it tastes like champagne next to the steer piss that is Bud. King of rears.

What the hell is wrong with the youth of Canada? We have very good beer in this country, and if you want mediocrity, drink Labatt Blue or Molson Canadian, but c'mon, don't drink the yank horse piss.

The Americanization of Canadian cultural institutions continues unabated. Whoring Canadian culture for the almighty dollar. Go to hell, InBev.


In other news, Mayor Joe Fontana has been openly musing about name-rights to Victoria and Harris Parks downtown. "Heck, if calling it Coors Light Commons instead of Victoria Park means half a million dollars in revenues for city programs, I am all for it and so too should John Q. Taxpayer," Fontana exclaimed (www.lfp.com/news/sellingmygrandmotherforabuck.html). What else could be renamed? How about Guy Lombardo bridge (Pepsi bridge), London International Airport (Cisco Aerodrome), and the University of Western Ontario (Western U...er wait, that was already done)? "You know, I'd even be open to changing my own name from Joe Fontana to Joe Fanta or maybe Joe Camel for a couple of bucks," Fontana joked. "After all, I still smoke"

[manny_santos]

From what I remember, they don't even serve Labatt Blue at Knights games anymore. It's all Budweiser and Bud Light (at least in draught)

I can't even think of a single restaurant/pub or whatever that has Labatt on tap. Really - I can't.

While I understand the affinity to the JLC namesake, I can see wanting to market the building from a more worldwide name. Even in BC, Labatt is non-existent. Budweiser - completely different story.

I've had one bottle of Labatt Blue once - and I can't say it was anything to write home about.

Believe it or not, Labatt 50 is served on tap at the Ceeps. It's the only bar I've ever seen that offers 50 on tap.

Among the young people I know in London, the most popular beers are Alexander Keiths, Rickard's Red and White, Molson Export, Budweiser, Bud Light, Corona, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and James Ready. I know one person who also likes Foster's. Almost nobody I know drinks Coors Light, Laker, Lakeport, Blue, or Canadian. Blue and Canadian are the beers my father drinks, although he drinks quite a few others ranging from Dos Equis to Sleeman.

Also, the bars around London which have cheap beer nights have "$2 Coronas" or "$10 Sleeman pitchers", it's never "$2 Blue".

[Simpseatles]

Ahh, yet another rebranding. I'm always going to call the Willis Tower The Sears Tower, the Rogers Centre the Skydome, Western University UWO, and Budweiser Gardens the JLC.

A name change like this feels cheap, and a slap in the face to the residents of London. I had heard that the naming rights were going to be available and I accepted that soon it would probably be called "3M Place" or "The Telus Centre" perhaps. I'd still prefer the JLC name, but I never expected the arena (one of the best in Canada) would simply be named after some crappy American Beer! Very disapointing.:(

[Pimpmasterdac]

Sign of the times. Gone are the days of Maple Leaf Gardens, Skydome, London Gardens adorning sporting facilities. In are the days of corporate christening according to the winds of popular goods & services. No grand insult to London, just modern business & marketing!

IMO rather it stay JLC but that's not gonna happen. The best council could hope for is a minor alteration like London Budweiser Garden (LBG) or London Budweiser Centre (LBC). Regardless the name's getting changed when council rubber stamps this.

Cause in the end it's always about the money, all of the time!

[manny_santos]

Sign of the times. Gone are the days of Maple Leaf Gardens, Skydome, London Gardens adorning sporting facilities. In are the days of corporate christening according to the winds of popular goods & services. No grand insult to London, just modern business & marketing!

IMO rather it stay JLC but that's not gonna happen. The best council could hope for is a minor alteration like London Budweiser Garden (LBG) or London Budweiser Centre (LBC). Regardless the name's getting changed when council rubber stamps this.

Cause in the end it's always about the money, all of the time!

I know if I were on Council, I'd be voting against it. This will bring no benefit to London whatsoever; it will bring benefit only to the Budweiser brand.

[MolsonExport]

I am voting with my dollars and feet. You won't find me patronizing anything under the Budweiser brand. Utterly without class.

[flar]

Stupid, just stupid.

I'm also quite shocked/disappointed that my alma mater is now called Western University. WTF?

[haljackey]

I still call the Rogers Centre the Skydome, and I will call Budwiser Gardens the JLC.

The original name sticks.

[MolsonExport]

^but the new one just sucks. Can you imagine the elegant script of the John Labatt Centre being replaced by the garish Buttwisser brand and logo?

[haljackey]

^but the new one just sucks. Can you imagine the elegant script of the John Labatt Centre being replaced by the garish Buttwisser brand and logo?

FM96 gets it right

http://i.imgur.com/k847i.jpg



It's official. London City council voted 12-3 and this October John Labatt Centre will become Budweiser Gardens.

[MolsonExport]

Who voted in favor? 12 to fucking 3. Sell their grandmothers for a buck. How low can you go? JLC is first and foremost a HOCKEY arena. Hockey is as Canadian a thing there is. Labatt is local, and for more than a century, a community pioneer and philanthropist family. Most of all, Buttwisser sucks donkey balls (besides, there are no gardens, only those giant concrete balls out front). Vile brew. King of rears.

This Bud’s worth $6.4 million for you
By CHIP MARTIN The London Free Press
Last Updated: June 27, 2012 6:07am
London Free Press [soon to be rebranded the Coors Light Chronicle)

The John Labatt Centre is dead; long live the king of beers.

A $6.4-million, 10-year deal for naming rights will see the decade-old centre become Budweiser Gardens in October.

City council voted 12-3 Tuesday in favour of the name change.

Councillors Joni Baechler, Paul Hubert and Dale Henderson opposed the new name.

Coun. Nancy Branscombe, who said “Budweiser Gardens sounds like a beer tent to me,” said she meant to vote against the deal, but pushed the wrong voting button.

Several members of council said they had heard from Londoners upset the name of a well-respected community pioneer will come off the downtown venue and be replaced with the name of an American beer.

“(Budweiser Gardens) is going to resonate for us both nationally and internationally,” Mayor Joe Fontana predicted, although he admitted a sentimental attachment to the existing name.
[...]More here: http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/2012/06/26/19923216.html

Say it ain't so, Joe. Please, say it ain't so. It's not what I want to hear... (old Murray Head song)

[MolsonExport]

Coun. Nancy Branscombe, who said “Budweiser Gardens sounds like a beer tent to me,” said she meant to vote against the deal, but pushed the wrong voting button.



How useless can you be?

[MolsonExport]

Council voted 12-3 in support of the change, with Joni Baechler, Paul Hubert and Dale Henderson voting against the new name. Nancy Branscombe said afterwards she pressed the wrong button and meant to vote against the change as well.

Labatt's 10 year lease expires this October and had first right of refusal on the new lease. Now that council has approved the change, the new lease will begin this fall. The previous lease was worth $5 million, the version is worth $6.4 million, a 28% increase.
AM980

Lets break that down.
$1.4M extra over 10 years = $140,000 per year (about what one senior prof at UWO makes in a year) = $383.56/day.

This is assuming that Labatt (or some other sponsor) would not have paid a bit more for renewing (or gaining rights), which is totally dubious (given that it was signed more than 10 years ago).

Sad, sad day for London. I am so embarrassed.

[haljackey]

Call me a little extreme, but I think alcohol products should be subject to similar packaging and labels as tobacco products.

Why? Because they cause troublesome social, economic and health problems. It would harm many alcohol-related businesses, but it may be for the best. Everything in moderation.

Naming the JLC Budweiser Gardens pretty much means there are no problems with beer and alcohol in our society. Yes I know the old name was named Labatt too, but at least that was after a person, not after a specific beer/brand.


Coun. Nancy Branscombe, who said “Budweiser Gardens sounds like a beer tent to me,” said she meant to vote against the deal, but pushed the wrong voting button.

Umm... Can't she just did that by accident and have her vote changed? Imagine if that mistake happened during a serious issue with a much close vote.

[manny_santos]

Call me a little extreme, but I think alcohol products should be subject to similar packaging and labels as tobacco products.

Why? Because they cause troublesome social, economic and health problems. It would harm many alcohol-related businesses, but it may be for the best. Everything in moderation.

I vote for the Facebook Centre...wait, Facebook is addictive and takes people away from face-to-face communication.

How about Toyota Gardens...wait, cars cause pollution and accidents.

Kidding aside, at least the JLC wasn't originally called Caterpillar Centre...I'm sure City Council (and most Londoners) would've been glad to change that to Budweiser Gardens.

[MolsonExport]

Honestly, I would have preferred Centretown Pawnbrokers Palladium

[GreatTallNorth2]

I think the JLC was the perfect name for the arena, but honestly the outrage for the name change shows how small minded London is. I don't like the new name either, but this is all about business. London has much bigger problems than to focus on this.

[flar]

but honestly the outrage for the name change shows how small minded London is. I don't like the new name either, but this is all about business.

It is those who think life is all about business who are small minded.

[flar]

Coun. Nancy Branscombe, who said “Budweiser Gardens sounds like a beer tent to me,” said she meant to vote against the deal, but pushed the wrong voting button.

Very clever, she found a way to have her cake and eat it too. I hope other politicians don't catch on to this.

[MTLskyline]

I can't help but think of that episode of the Simpsons when they go to Duff Gardens amusement park.

[GreatTallNorth2]

It is those who think life is all about business who are small minded.

I'm not sure how you gather that all I care about is business. In fact, if you read much of what I write, you would find that is not the case at all. But, it's only a bloody name on a building. It's not that big of a deal!

London is building 1970's style crap concrete buildings everywhere, has a terrible transportation system, is losing jobs like a sieve and has a mess of urban sprawl. We've got much bigger fish to fry than the name on our arena.

[flar]

That was directed at the people who voted for this change and their ilk, not you personally.

[harls]

What the hell is wrong with the youth of Canada? We have very good beer in this country, and if you want mediocrity, drink Labatt Blue or Molson Canadian, but c'mon, don't drink the yank horse piss.

It's all about the money, and all about the brand perception. Hey Bud is just as cheap as Blue, but they have those fuckin cheerleaders and that awesome Bud Camp near the airport in Mississauga? What do I care.. I'm 19 and I'll be drunk.. who cares where this camp is..

Wha.. who brews Bud in Canada? bah who cares. ALCOHOL.

[harls]

i can't help but think of that episode of the simpsons when they go to duff gardens amusement park.

I am the LIZARD QUEEN!

[Stevo26]

Bud is the number one beer in Canada. It usually tops (or ties with coor light) on the Beer Store's top 10 list.

The brew is truly vile. Who the hell drinks it, and why? It is beyond bad beer.

Labatt Blue is nothing special but it tastes like champagne next to the steer piss that is Bud. King of rears.

What the hell is wrong with the youth of Canada? We have very good beer in this country, and if you want mediocrity, drink Labatt Blue or Molson Canadian, but c'mon, don't drink the yank horse piss.

The Americanization of Canadian cultural institutions continues unabated. Whoring Canadian culture for the almighty dollar. Go to hell, InBev.


In other news, Mayor Joe Fontana has been openly musing about name-rights to Victoria and Harris Parks downtown. "Heck, if calling it Coors Light Commons instead of Victoria Park means half a million dollars in revenues for city programs, I am all for it and so too should John Q. Taxpayer," Fontana exclaimed (www.lfp.com/news/sellingmygrandmotherforabuck.html). What else could be renamed? How about Guy Lombardo bridge (Pepsi bridge), London International Airport (Cisco Aerodrome), and the University of Western Ontario (Western U...er wait, that was already done)? "You know, I'd even be open to changing my own name from Joe Fontana to Joe Fanta or maybe Joe Camel for a couple of bucks," Fontana joked. "After all, I still smoke"

WTF? was exactly the first thought that ran into my head when I read about the proposal to rename the JLC and call it Budweiser Gardens. The owners of the JLC have just gone and destroyed whatever goodwill they had developed from the John Labatt name.

I sense that the JLC isn't doing all that well, apart from the revenues brought in from Knights games, and the owners are looking for some fresh juice or 'buzz' to goose the revenues up a bit.

As to Budweiser beer, yes, it is 'horse piss'. When I was a young lad, I sampled a bottle of Bud and found it to be utter swill. But Bud is representative of the way our American cousins can sometimes be: flavourless, lacking in substance, and ultimately insipid.

I'm also mystified as to why my countrymen like such a crappy beer. I too, am disturbed by the increasing Americanization of Canadian culture. A couple of classic cases in point that reflect that Americanization can be found in the way a lot of Canadians under 30 seem to have adopted American accents and say 'zee' and instead of 'zed'. It really grates on my nerves.

But this is what happens when people refuse to develop a coherent identity for themselves. Go around the world, and you can readily identify a German or a Brit. But good luck identifying a Canadian, because everyone thinks we look and sound like Americans.

[manny_santos]

But this is what happens when people refuse to develop a coherent identity for themselves. Go around the world, and you can readily identify a German or a Brit. But good luck identifying a Canadian, because everyone thinks we look and sound like Americans.

You've got that right. Where I currently work, many people have mistaken me for an American.

[Wharn]

I'm not sure how you gather that all I care about is business. In fact, if you read much of what I write, you would find that is not the case at all. But, it's only a bloody name on a building. It's not that big of a deal!

London is building 1970's style crap concrete buildings everywhere, has a terrible transportation system, is losing jobs like a sieve and has a mess of urban sprawl. We've got much bigger fish to fry than the name on our arena.

This is sort of my attitude towards the whole thing. I think it's an utterly stupid marketing move, but it's not going to be my loss. Someone else will be jumping out of a window or hanging themselves in their closet over this inevitable failure. Perhaps council could put the same energy towards debating something like, oh, the Windermere Bridge.

Who voted in favor? 12 to fucking 3. Sell their grandmothers for a buck. How low can you go? JLC is first and foremost a HOCKEY arena. Hockey is as Canadian a thing there is. Labatt is local, and for more than a century, a community pioneer and philanthropist family.

They were also instrumental in getting the 402 re-routed, which royally screwed the entire city further down the line. They were obviously concerned with the welfare of others until they were affected personally. As an outsider to London, I can say I find the whole Labatt culture to be extremely overrated- the current company would move out of the city in a heartbeat if they could justify it.


As to Budweiser beer, yes, it is 'horse piss'. When I was a young lad, I sampled a bottle of Bud and found it to be utter swill. But Bud is representative of the way our American cousins can sometimes be: flavourless, lacking in substance, and ultimately insipid.

Funny, I get the same impression of them when I watch their TV shows or drive their cars. Anyone who has ever been forced to watch The Secret Life of the American Teenager or had to live with a Ford Taurus for any length of time will know what I'm talking about.

I vote for the Facebook Centre...wait, Facebook is addictive and takes people away from face-to-face communication.

How about Toyota Gardens...wait, cars cause pollution and accidents.

Kidding aside, at least the JLC wasn't originally called Caterpillar Centre...I'm sure City Council (and most Londoners) would've been glad to change that to Budweiser Gardens.

Caterpillar Gardens. Or the Ford Centre (alt. Crown Victoria Arena). Any one would be suitable for a hockey arena in this region :D

[MolsonExport]

News Local Crews replace John Labatt Centre sign with new Bud Gardens moniker
http://www.lfpress.com/2012/09/17/crews-replace-john-labatt-centre-sign-with-new-bud-gardens-moniker

Barf
http://storage.canoe.ca/v1/dynamic_resize/sws_path/suns-prod-images/1297313106516_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80&size=650x&stmp=1347899444953
canoe

LFP poll:
What do you think of the arena's name change?
Thursday, September 20, 2012 (as of 850am)

Vote or view results

15% 232 votes I'm fine with it
63% 977 votes I hate it
22% 350 votes Who cares?

Absolutely not scientific, but safe to say, by and large people hate it.

[haljackey]

Absolutely not scientific, but safe to say, by and large people hate it.



It doesn't matter. They want to brand the arena with a name that will be known the world over for the World Figure Skating Championships next year. John Labatt doesn't primarily reference to a brand, and even if it did many people around the world may not know what it is.

Marketing, that's what this all comes down to.

[LondnPlanr]

It doesn't matter. They want to brand the arena with a name that will be known the world over for the World Figure Skating Championships next year. John Labatt doesn't primarily reference to a brand, and even if it did many people around the world may not know what it is.

Marketing, that's what this all comes down to.

Bingo.

I don't understand why people are getting so upset about this. It's going to be referred to as the 'JLC' for years to come. Just ask Rogers Centre/SkyDome...

I didn't see anyone else ponying up more money to name it something else. So people wanted the City to step in and name it something more 'local' friendly by using taxpayer dollars? Or how about a company from out of town comes in, and throws their money at the rink, and then it's the 'RIM Arena' or 'ArcelorMittal Gardens'. Think of the arena in Boston, which is named 'TD Gardens' - oh yes, the arena is Boston actually has another city's NAME in it. It could be much, much, much, much worse.

Regardless of how the beer is viewed by beer snobs and local complainers, Budweiser is brewed here in London by Labatt's Brewery, and it is a VITAL brand to keeping the brewery running full steam ahead.

Let it go, already, and just call it the 'JLC'. Everyone will know what you're talking about!

[MolsonExport]

Of course it comes down to marketing. This is patently obvious to me, a marketing professor. That does not mean I need to rejoice in the choice of brand (an American label of piss-poor beer), nor in the increasing generic urban fabric of London. I felt the same way when the Molson centre in Montreal (my hometown) was rechristened the Bell centre (despite both being MTL-based firms, I have always loathed Bell-the world leader in terrible customer service). Same thing when the (legendary) Montreal Forum was gutted, and renamed the Pepsi Forum (as if that is going to make me drink more pepsi). If most locals dislike the rebranding (here's looking at you "Western University"), it suggests the potential for poorly conceived marketing. The empirical literature on rebranding is quite clear: most efforts fail to achieve stated objectives. In addition, the "mere exposure effect" (see psychology and marketing literature) is extremely overestimated, especially given the excessive marketing clutter of contemporary times. I actually conduct research on this.

And let us not forget, it is the city of London that is claiming benefits, which my calculations show on the previous page, are extraodinarily mediocre at best. In exchange for selling your soul.

See Neil Young (this note's for you).

[flar]

Of course it's marketing. Everyone knows that. I just don't give a shit about marketing and lament that fact that marketing has taken over practically everything in our lives.

EDIT: looks like we think alike, ME

[LondnPlanr]

...(an American label of piss-poor beer)...

I'd rather drink a Bud/Bud Light than any of the other big brands, that's for sure. I don't think it's 'piss-poor' at all, but I rather like it.

Anyway, I don't see what that has to do with anything. Budweiser/InBev/Labatt put up the money, used their naming rights privileges, and here we are. I could care less. I'll still be calling it the JLC for months as I get used to it.

[MolsonExport]

KSSvzCNBvlQ

[MolsonExport]

I'd rather drink a Bud/Bud Light than any of the other big brands, that's for sure. I don't think it's 'piss-poor' at all, but I rather like it.

Anyway, I don't see what that has to do with anything. Budweiser/InBev/Labatt put up the money, used their naming rights privileges, and here we are. I could care less. I'll still be calling it the JLC for months as I get used to it.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion of course. Some people like Nickelback, some people like Bach. There is Kool-aid for some and cognac for others.

[Honest Scientist]

Labatt/InBev whatever they are free to do this - but I think they missed the boat...

I think someone got concerned that everyone is calling it the JLC, which has *nothing* to do with their product. Calling it the "John Labatt Centre" refers to their whole product line and works, calling it "JLC" gives them nothing.

I though the "John Labbat Centre" was a brilliant choice, as it covered their brand line, and referred to a historical Londoner (and would immediately suggest the London connection to Labatt's origin to anyone hearing it)!

Bud? Bud who?

A better solution might have been the "Bud Bowl at the John Labatt Centre" or the "Blue Bowl at the John Labbat Centre" (hey, the seats are blue, and Blue tastes way better than Bud!), which would have retained the goodwill and added a brand.

Will always be the JLC to me!

[MolsonExport]

now it is just the BG.

[manny_santos]

now it is just the BG.

Could have been worse - the BS, or the BM.

[Mister F]

Regardless of how the beer is viewed by beer snobs and local complainers, Budweiser is brewed here in London by Labatt's Brewery, and it is a VITAL brand to keeping the brewery running full steam ahead.
The only reason the Bud brand is vital is because the parent company made it that way. They decided to kill the Labatt name and replace it with Budweiser. And it worked. People are sheep - they drink what the breweries tell them to drink.

[MolsonExport]

The only reason the Bud brand is vital is because the parent company made it that way. They decided to kill the Labatt name and replace it with Budweiser. And it worked. People are sheep - they drink what the breweries tell them to drink.

this.

as described in a marketing case for 2nd year students
Both Labatt Blue and Molson Canadian, the one time brand leaders in Canada have been replaced at the top by Budweiser and Coors Light. Labatt markets Budweiser in Canada and Molson markets Coors Light.
The predicament that Blue and Canadian are in is partially related to company ownership. InBev, a Belgian‐based company owns Labatt and has decided to focus on brands that it can extend to International markets. Blue is not in that mix. Budweiser now gets much more marketing support in Canada than it used to. Molson recently merged with Coors, a U.S.‐based company, and ever since, the Coors Light brand has been the priority.
busandadmin.uwinnipeg.ca/melnyk-j/Advertising/LabattBlue.pdf

[haljackey]

Coors Light is among the worst beers I have ever tasted.
-Crazy fact: you can't even get regular Coors beer here in Canada. I once tried it when I was in the US out of curiosity and it had just slightly more taste than Coors Light. (I tolerate Budweiser but would prefer to have something else.)

Glad the JLC won't be called Coors Arena or something.

And yes there's no shame calling it the JLC even now, since that was the official name of the structure when it was built. The same goes for places like the SkyDome (Rogers Centre), Rockefeller Center (GE Building) and the Sears Tower (Willis Tower).

[K85]

Coors Light when it's super cold is actually quite tasty to me :) As it warms up though, not a fan. I like Bud too.

It's like all the beers people here hate I dig. Guinness = barf.

[haljackey]

Guinness = a meal for me.

If I go to a bar hungry, I order a Guinness. That way you save money... don't have to order bar food!

I wish the JLC/BGZ had more of a beer selection.

[MolsonExport]

There is a reason why they promote Coors Light, Bud, etc to be served cold as ice. Because it tastes like horsepiss otherwise. You really can't taste much the beer is ice cold. Guinness is actually supposted to be served at room temperature.

Guinness is an acquired taste. Personally, I love it. But it is far from being my everyday beer (hello Belgian, German, Czech beer).

[haljackey]

And then there are those gimmicky 'blue cold' cans which turn colour when they're cold enough to drink.

I read that most beer is best enjoyed at 7 degrees, and that's the temperature inside the Beer Store. Most fridges are 4 degrees which means you should actually wait a bit after you take a brew out of the fridge before you drink it.

Now bars have 'super cold' draught beer lines which store kegs of Coors Light and Canadian at 0-1 degrees, and they usually pour it into a glass that's full of frost.

Getting back on topic, there was a bar in the JLC that had a couple other beers on tap other than the Blue and Bud sold at the concession stands. I remember it having Kieth's and Rolling Rock among some others... wonder if that will change as part of the re-branding.

[manny_santos]

There is a reason why they promote Coors Light, Bud, etc to be served cold as ice. Because it tastes like horsepiss otherwise. You really can't taste much the beer is ice cold. Guinness is actually supposted to be served at room temperature.

Guinness is an acquired taste. Personally, I love it. But it is far from being my everyday beer (hello Belgian, German, Czech beer).

I didn't touch a single mainstream beer this past weekend: I had some DAB, Holstein, Kilkenny, and Muskoka Cream Ale. Now those are good beers.

[haljackey]

If you can't handle a Guinness, Killkenny is a great choice. Did you know it is also made in the Guinness plant in Dublin?

I made it a true St. Patrick's day this year by drinking nothing but that Irish brew. "OH MAI GAWD, TEHY KELLED KENNY!"

[Symz]

:previous:

Boddingtons is a nice choice too.

[MolsonExport]

^you're darn tootin'!
http://a3.ec-images.myspacecdn.com/profile01/138/3a22165bf16c4b89bfdc4be78d634e79/p.jpg

Kilkenny, Boddingtons, Guinness, Harp, Smithwicks, Newcastle brown Ale, Tartan, Double Diamond, Speckled Hen, Innis & Gunn...


....Beck's, Staropramen, Pilsner Urquel, Steigel, Duvel, Chimay, DAB, Firstenburg, Warsteiner, Stella Artois, Mort Subite...

[haljackey]

While we're on the topic of beer you might be interested in this:

I've done a few blind beer taste tests, here's some results:

http://i.imgur.com/1O83p.png

I didn't know what the brews were until they were revealed at the end.

Beer tasting is nothing like wine tasting. You actually have to drink the beer, I think its to help measure smoothness. As a result, the more beers you taste, the drunker you get.
-That's probably why I gave PBR a high rating. A conflicted palette in my mouth probably welcomed a watery beer to cleanse it, thus the high rating. We do however have things like pretzels, peanuts and water between taste tests to help clear our palettes.

[K85]

And no Polish beers

[north 42]

Waterloo Dark is one of my favourite dark beers, I'm a big fan of Keith's Amber Ale also!

[Wharn]

Is it weird if I hate pretty much all beers? Not to sounds like a hipster or anything, but pretty much the only things I like are the very lightest and very darkest. Overall I'm more of a wine & port person.


Beer tasting is nothing like wine tasting. You actually have to drink the beer, I think its to help measure smoothness. As a result, the more beers you taste, the drunker you get.

I went with a girl I know to a wine tasting last year. All the middle-aged folk there were spitting the stuff out (heresy, I say), but everyone in the sub-25 crowd was gulping it down. It's actually better that way, since you pick up on some of the wine's more delicate aftertastes (peppercorn, for example), overall makes for a better experience. Mind you, the two of us were hopelessly drunk after it was all over. Time well spent :D

[north 42]

I love beer and wine as well, we often hit the wineries around here for tastings, but I have never spit out a tasting. We're heading out to Niagara region next weekend to hit up some of the wineries in that area. I love doing these weekend jaunts.

[ForestryW]

While we're on the topic of beer you might be interested in this:

I've done a few blind beer taste tests, here's some results:

I didn't know what the brews were until they were revealed at the end.

Beer tasting is nothing like wine tasting. You actually have to drink the beer, I think its to help measure smoothness. As a result, the more beers you taste, the drunker you get.
-That's probably why I gave PBR a high rating. A conflicted palette in my mouth probably welcomed a watery beer to cleanse it, thus the high rating. We do however have things like pretzels, peanuts and water between taste tests to help clear our palettes.

Where'd you do this? I'm just curious, I'd love to try it as well.

Some of my favourite beers are local Ontario craft beers. I'd say the best are:
-Muskoka Brewery Mad Tom IPA
-Great Lakes Brewery Devil's Pale Ale.

Railway City in St. Thomas is pretty decent and it's London's local craft brewery!

[MolsonExport]

Excellent local (St. Thomas) Ale:
http://railwaycitybrewing.com/index_files/image1248.jpg
railwaycitybrewing.com

[haljackey]

Where'd you do this? I'm just curious, I'd love to try it as well.

Some of my favourite beers are local Ontario craft beers. I'd say the best are:
-Muskoka Brewery Mad Tom IPA
-Great Lakes Brewery Devil's Pale Ale.

Railway City in St. Thomas is pretty decent and it's London's local craft brewery!

Just did it with some friends.

For example, go to the LCBO and buy say 24 singles of different beers. Then you split it with say 6 people (so 4 beers a person) with a person or two who doesn't drink (or DD) who prepares the brew behind the scenes. They pour a randomly selected beer into 6 cups and bring it out for you to taste. They indicate in on piece of paper what beer they poured for reference later.

You then drink the beer and give it a score /10 on a piece of paper and other comments if you want. Then you eat some peanuts/pretzels and drink some water to clear your palette to prepare for the next one. Repeat until they're all done.

When all the sampling is done the results are revealed by the person who prepared the beer. You then compare your scores to each brew and tally it up in a chart like I did on the previous page. You might be astonished about some beers you loved and others you hated. That's what happens when the label/branding isn't there.

One of my buddies is a huge fan of Stella and drank multiple beers saying "Oh THIS one is definitely Stella". Turns out he gave the beer that was Stella a 2/10 and beers he thought was Stella were brews like Lakeport which he gave like a 9/10. He now buys a lot of Lakeport because it turns out he likes it :P.

Anyways a bit off topic but its a fun exercise and can change what you think is beer you like and beer you hate.

-----

Dead Elephant Ale is a little strong for my taste, but I really like Iron Spike from Railway City.