Be the Ball

On Saturday 10th December 2005 in Auckland, New Zealand, TBWAWhybin (180TBWA) launched the adidas match ball for the FIFA World Cup 2006. In a world first, a Sky Screamer reverse bungee was transformed into the new adidas and Teamgeist match ball. Situated in the heart of the city, the 2.5-metre high ball sat in front of the largest billboard site in the country, which featured Liverpool Football Club captain and England's team member Steven Gerrard. This gave the impression that Gerrard was kicking the adidas match ball. Match commentary was played over a loudspeaker, as participants were strapped inside the ball. Then, as striker Steven Gerrard was heard to kick the ball, the reverse bungee soccer ball was blasted into the air at over 170km/hour. The screaming occupants got to experience what it is like to 'Be the Ball'.