Red Stripe scores with 'Star Ballaz' party

Garfene Grandison, Gleaner Writer

Corporate giant Red Stripe has done it once again by hosting another premier event in honour of the beginning of the 19th staging of the FIFA World Cup being staged in South Africa over the next few weeks.

Held on the lawns of its lavish 214 Spanish Town Road compound, the event which began at 1:30 p.m. saw not only media representatives, but other corporate executives who took some time from their busy schedules to enjoy the game on the huge flat screen that was erected.

Dubbed 'Star Ballaz', the event offered the various brands of brew such as Guinness, Heineken, Red Stripe Light, Red Stripe and other varied mixed concoctions.

For increased brand recognition, a number of Red Stripe girls were dressed to represent each product. Despite not making the cut to attend the games in South Africa to represent Jamaica, members of our very own national Under-23 football team mingled with Red Stripe employees, and media personnel to signal the start of the World Cup season.

Happy with the event's proceedings, Red Stripe's Brand Manager, Safiyah Cooper, said her company was fully committed to accentuating the World Cup experience through innovative means to get patrons interested.

"It's about giving consumers another point of enjoyment, excitement and passion and to really accentuate the World Cup," she said.

Although the Star Ballaz party was indeed another point of enjoyment for patrons, many were very disinterested in the Uruguay versus France match that was under way.

What many patrons enjoyed immensely was the wide array of liquor that was present. With three bars erected around the venue accompanied by a food station, the specially invited guests were adequately filled and their cups always full.

Star ballaz

With the highly controversial DJ Bambino as the MC of the event, the half-time break injected some degree of energy into the event as the star ballaz juggled impressively for the patrons. Goal-shooting competitions and trivia questions held the attention of the patrons as many persons tried to match up to the challenges.

Body-painting was also being offered by the talented Eon and Robbie, as patrons could get their bodies painted in the colours of their favourite team.

Cooper further stated that the celebrations would not end with the Star Ballaz party. Consumers can also enjoy Red Stripe's special World Cup promotions as they partner with Cuddy'z and Acropolis in the Corporate Area, Twisted Kilt in Montego Bay and other companies across the island in order to add something extra to the World Cup experience.