Photo: Courtesy of Budweiser. Wow, normally we'd be super jealous of anyone with Winter Olympics tickets, but the news out of Sochi just keeps getting worse. Budweiser is bailing on the Games, and it's canceling its usual party, according to a report from TMZ Sports.
In 2006 and 2010, the beer company hosted Club Bud parties for athletes and other attendees, but, apparently, Budweiser is not psyched about the current situation in Sochi and doesn't feel comfortable sending its U.S. representatives there.
Not that we blame the brand: Members of the media have been Tweeting updates from practically uninhabitable hotel rooms; nearby terrorist bombings called Sochi's security into question, and then there's the whole anti-gay propaganda laws that were passed last year. Also, after debuting its "Puppy Love" ad at the Super Bowl last week, we can bet Budweiser isn't on board with Russia's stray dog extermination.
It's kind of a bummer that there's so much negativity surrounding an event that should be about celebrating the athletes competing in Sochi. (TMZ)
Also missing:
- Angela Merkel: The Chancellor of Germany declined to attend.
- David Cameron: Britain's prime minister passed on his invite, too.
- Chobani: A shipment from the American yogurt company (and official sponsor for the U.S. team) meant for Team USA is being held at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey because of "unattainable" Russian Customs certifications.