Why SunTrust is gambling on Super Bowl’s final two minutes

A Super Bowl blowout could be bad news for Atlanta-based SunTrust.

The big bank is making a big bet on the game, having spent heavily to air its first national Super Bowl commercial. It's trying to take an approach that's different from some of the game's usual ad fun.

But the 30-second spot is slated to be the last commercial aired in a block that starts at the game’s final two-minute warning. Will we still be watching the game by then? After all, odds makers expect the Carolina Panthers to easily have the game in the bag against the Denver Broncos.

Oddly, SunTrust says it's commercial isn't trying to sell us any product or service. Check out why that is (and see the ad), in the latest Unofficial Business column on myAJC.com.

About the Author

Home Depot cuts outlook amid housing slump and consumer uncertainty

Home Depot said its net income dipped to $3.6 billion during the third quarter, down 1.3% from the same period last year.

Global software firm announces Atlanta expansion with 250 new jobs

Sales software company Salesforce announced Tuesday it will invest $15 million to expand its Georgia operations, adding 250 new jobs to Fulton County by the end of 2028.

Downtown Atlanta’s Hotel Phoenix takes flight, sets opening date

The opening comes as Centennial Yards and its parent, CIM Group, push ahead on several key projects across the 50-acre site, the largest project the city has seen in decades.

The Latest

Credit: Special

Beyond the odometer: What matters most in a used car

Why your car’s safety tech needs maintenance, too

OPINION

Saying goodbye to the Porsche 718 Cayman — for now

Featured

Credit: Ben Gray

Donor leaves WABE $3 million, largest individual gift in station’s history

An Atlanta resident has bequeathed WABE a $3 million donation, the largest one-time individual donation in the nonprofit media operation’s 76-year history.

Usher sues business partners over failed Buckhead restaurant plan

Atlanta singer Usher wants his money back after loaning $1.7 million to music producer Bryan-Michael Cox and others to buy a Buckhead restaurant property for $6.3 million.

Braves’ original ‘Freeze’ is retired. But you probably still can’t catch him.

As the Atlanta Braves prepare to find their next sprinting mascot, Nigel Talton is enjoying his new career coaching high school athletes at McEachern High.