Red Bull takes celebrity butt kissing to the extreme

I have heard of brands currying celebrities' favor by giving them goodie bags full of free watches, colognes and other swag that I could never afford. But, Red Bull has taken it to a whole other level. The energy drink brand is allegedly building a $500,000 secret half pipe for Shaun White. Oakley, helped fund the private training area, which is located at Silverton Mountain in Colorado. A Red Bull rep confirmed the project which includes "the first ever on-mountain foam pit. This will allow the riders to attempt tricks that they never thought would be possible, before trying them on snow and with minimal consequence of injury....[It is a] secluded spot ideal for focus and training. Therefore, there is no public access to the facility." Apparently, you can only get there by snowmobile or helicopter. Hear that Ski-doo and Bell Helicopters? What are you waiting for? Shaun needs your help.

—Posted by Kenneth Hein