Bud Light Names Catalina Island, California As The Next Home Of Whatever, USA

ST. LOUIS, MO (APRIL 9, 2015) – After an extensive, cross-country search to identify the town whose residents are #UpForWhatever, Bud Light has named Catalina Island, California as the next destination for an epic weekend of unexpected fun: Whatever, USA.

Bud Light’s Whatever, USA town search committee scouted the country’s hottest cities known for being #UpForWhatever, selecting Catalina Island due to its impressive resume of hosting big festivals and events, breathtaking scenery and, most importantly, a colorful and friendly community that is truly #UpForWhatever.

“As the capital of unexpected fun, Whatever, USA is the ultimate destination for Bud Light fans who are #UpForWhatever and our host town needs to reflect that same energy and sense of adventure,” said Alexander Lambrecht, vice president of Bud Light. “Catalina Island is known as a place to relax and get away from it all, making it the perfect location for the ultimate Bud Light immersive experience, Whatever, USA.”

Throughout its rich history, Catalina Island has been no stranger to spontaneous fun. Some of Catalina’s most #UpForWhatever moments include hosting movie productions and red carpet events during Hollywood’s golden years and a bison herd that’s called Catalina home since the 1920’s.

“Catalina Island is just 22 miles away from the California mainland but the millions of visitors we’ve hosted over the years will tell you that it’s worlds away from the ordinary,” said Bill Paige, Chairman of the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau. “This makes Catalina the ideal place for Whatever, USA and we’re thrilled to welcome Bud Light with open arms. The island of Catalina is truly #UpForWhatever!”

Bud Light is searching for fans to become Whatever, USA citizens for a weekend of unexpected fun and surprises of a lifetime from May 29 – 31. Those 21 and over who are ready to pack their bags for a weekend of “whatever” on Catalina Island are encouraged to visit Bud Light’s Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages and submit a 15 second video. VisitUpForWhatever.com to check out highlights from last year’s Whatever, USA, and to find online submission rules and guidelines for auditions. Whatever, USA teams will also visit restaurants and bars nationwide to audition Bud Light fans 21 and over for a chance to win a trip to Whatever, USA.

Whatever, USA keeps the celebration of Bud Light fans going strong. Earlier this year Bud Light brought the House of Whatever, its #UpForWhatever experience, to Super Bowl XLIX in Phoenix. Last summer Bud Light brought its #UpForWhatever mantra to life with a three-day celebration that transformed the town of Crested Butte, CO, into Whatever, USA. More than 1,000 consumers 21 and over were flown in for the inaugural “whatever” weekend. The Crested Butte, CO economy also earned $1MM in revenue and added an additional 500 temporary jobs as a result of the weekend.