Budweiser Celebrates 150-Year Legacy in New Super Bowl LX Ad, 'American Icons'

The iconic beer brand's Super Bowl spot honors its deep-rooted American heritage with the Budweiser Clydesdales and a Bald Eagle.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 10:39am

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Budweiser is celebrating its 150th anniversary with a new Super Bowl ad called 'American Icons' that features the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales and a Bald Eagle. The 60-second spot chronicles the story of an unwavering friendship between a Clydesdale foal and a baby bird that grows into an inspiring tale of the brand's deep-rooted American heritage. The ad will air during Super Bowl LX and pay tribute to the hardworking people who have been producing, delivering and enjoying Budweiser for over a century.

Why it matters

Budweiser's Super Bowl ads have become a game-day staple, and this year's 'American Icons' spot is a significant milestone as the brand celebrates its 150th anniversary. The ad showcases Budweiser's American legacy and its commitment to quality, while also highlighting the brand's 'Made of America' campaign that connects Budweiser to the hardworking people and farmers who have supported it for generations.

The details

The 'American Icons' ad opens with a Clydesdale foal discovering a baby bird and the two forming an unlikely friendship. As they grow up together, the bond between the Clydesdale and the bird, which is revealed to be an American Bald Eagle, is chronicled through a montage set to the song 'Free Bird' by Lynyrd Skynyrd. The ad culminates in a breathtaking moment when the now-grown Clydesdale helps the eagle take flight, symbolizing Budweiser's American heritage. The spot features a cameo from real-life Budweiser barley farmer Brian Fransen and ends with two farmers enjoying a Budweiser together.

  • The 60-second 'American Icons' spot will air nationally during Super Bowl LX on February 2, 2026.

The players

Budweiser

An American-style lager beer brand that was introduced in 1876 and has become an iconic American brand.

Anheuser-Busch

The parent company of Budweiser and a leading American manufacturer of beer and other alcoholic beverages for over 165 years.

Brian Fransen

A real-life Budweiser barley farmer who appears in the 'American Icons' ad.

Henry-Alex Rubin

An Academy Award-nominated filmmaker and Emmy Award-winning commercial director who directed the 'American Icons' ad for Budweiser.

Todd Allen

The SVP of Marketing for Budweiser at Anheuser-Busch.

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What they’re saying

“As we celebrate Budweiser's 150th anniversary and America's 250th birthday, we knew we had to rise to the occasion in a way only Budweiser can. 'American Icons' brings our heritage to life through powerful storytelling with the Budweiser Clydesdales and an American Bald Eagle. This year's spot will leave fans awestruck and proud to enjoy a Budweiser as they celebrate our shared milestone moments.”

— Todd Allen, SVP of Marketing for Budweiser at Anheuser-Busch (marketscreener.com)

What’s next

Budweiser will release limited-edition 150th anniversary heritage packaging featuring four unique designs that represent notable eras of the brand's history, marking the start of an exciting year of celebration.

The takeaway

Budweiser's 'American Icons' Super Bowl ad is a powerful tribute to the brand's 150-year legacy and deep American roots. By showcasing the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales and an American Bald Eagle, the ad celebrates the hardworking people and farmers who have supported Budweiser for generations, reinforcing the brand's commitment to quality and its status as a true icon of American culture.