Go Bowling Rolls Down the Streets of New York City in the Reimagined 94th Annual Macy’s Parade
Returning for the third year, the amazing size 151 ½ bowling shoes, inflated pins and bowling ball made their Parade appearance in historic Herald Square Thanksgiving morning as part of the 94th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The now famous Go Bowling balloonicles rolled down the streets of New York City in front of tens of millions of live TV viewers, making the Macy’s Parade NBC’s most-watched, and highest-rated entertainment broadcast of 2020.
“As an iconic and beloved symbol of FUN, Go Bowling is proud and excited to be partnered with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, one of the most iconic and anticipated events and the official kick off of the holidays each year,” said John Harbuck, President of Strike Ten Entertainment. “We’re excited to be a part of their rich history and strong tradition of bringing friends and families together each year for the beginning of the holiday season, just like we do at our bowling centers.”
The holiday ritual that typically traverses more than two miles of the New York streets was limited to a single block down 34th Street. The two 12-foot bowling shoes, the six individual 16-foot-tall pins, and the 14-foot diameter ball were among the live spectacles in this year’s Parade. Although fans were not allowed to attend, each balloonicle passed in front of Macy’s on the adjusted route and in front of the LIVE NBC cameras. The Parade presented the bowling industry the opportunity to gain exposure in front of millions of potential bowlers. This year’s focus was on projecting the message that bowling is a fun, safe, and healthy activity for friends and families across America.
NBC televised the Parade for the 68th year, featuring TODAY Show hosts Savanah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker, while the Spanish language simulcast on Telemundo was hosted by Adamari Lopez, Jessica Carrillo, Rodner Figueroa, and Nastassja Bolivar. In addition, NBCUniversal and Verizon produced “Verizon Live: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” a second-screen livestream with innovative and immersive experiences, hosted by Mario Lopez with appearances from Ross Matthews.