Play Refreshed: Vintage 1950s Coca-Cola Sports Advertisement
The advertisement from the 1951 Official NCAA Basketball Guide promotes Coca-Cola as a refreshing beverage ideal for athletes and sports enthusiasts. Key phrases such as "Play refreshed" highlight the drink’s association with physical activity and sports culture. The imagery features various athletes engaged in different sports, including basketball, baseball, and track and field, indicating a broad appeal across athletic disciplines. This suggests Coca-Cola’s marketing strategy aimed to link its brand with the energy and vitality of sports. The tagline “Ask for it either way… both trade-marks mean the same thing” emphasizes the universal recognition of Coca-Cola, which was growing in popularity during this time.