Pudgy Penguins has secured a seven-day advertising slot on the Las Vegas Sphere, running through the Christmas period. The animated wrap showcases the brand’s penguin characters and highlights merchandise availability. Discussions reportedly began in early 2024 as the brand expanded beyond crypto.
The campaign is estimated to have cost around $600,000, while the Sphere continues its regular screenings of The Wizard of Oz. The move has drawn attention because the brand successfully promoted its products without referencing crypto. This strategy sets it apart from previous unsuccessful attempts by other communities.
Dogwifhat, a Solana-based meme coin, raised roughly $700,000 to advertise on the Sphere, but the project was never realized, and funds were later returned. At the time, the Sphere stated that it only allowed crypto promotions linked to Bitcoin or licensed exchanges. Dogwifhat organizers had publicly claimed a planned appearance, which led the venue to clarify that the campaign was not approved.
Pudgy Penguins’ display was approved because it promotes merchandise and entertainment content, not NFTs, tokens, or blockchain services. During the week-long run, the Sphere shows animated penguin characters and a brief mention of merchandise. There is no reference to the brand’s PENGU token, NFTs, or other crypto-related initiatives.
Pudgy Penguins’ shift to mainstream success is documented by its broader expansion beyond digital assets. Originally an NFT profile picture project, Pudgy Penguins has moved toward mainstream consumer markets. In 2023, the brand launched physical toys and secured placement at Walmart, helping it reach audiences beyond the crypto community. By early 2024, Pudgy Penguins’ toy line reportedly generated $10 million in its first year.
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