Idaho Potato Commission Gears Up for Inaugural Famous Idaho® Potato Bowl on December 17th in Boise, Idaho
The Great Big Idaho® Potato Truck Makes Its National Debut
EAGLE, ID, December 14, 2011—When the Utah State Aggies and the Ohio University Bobcats go head to head in the inaugural Famous Idaho® Potato Bowl, there will be no question that the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is sponsoring the "spudtacular" showdown. In the tradition of the Orange Bowl and others that recognize the importance of a state's agricultural foundation, and on the eve of its 75th anniversary year, the IPC is proud to be the title sponsor of a Bowl game in their home state.
"The Famous Idaho® Potato Bowl provides a fantastic opportunity to showcase Idaho® potatoes, the state's top agricultural export, to millions of football fans and consumers around the country," said Frank Muir, President and CEO, Idaho Potato Commission. "In addition to generating media coverage of the game itself, we've been able to leverage our sponsorship to communicate the versatility and nutritional value of Idaho® potatoes and remind folks to always look for the famous 'Grown in Idaho®' seal."
Celebrity chef Mr. Food recently talked taters and football with IPC President, Frank Muir, on the blue turf at Bronco Stadium.
In the tradition of the Humanitarian Bowl (the former name of the Famous Idaho® Potato Bowl), many events during game week will raise funds and awareness for local charities, including the United Way, Optimist Youth Football, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Boise School District, Treasure Valley YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs, Girl Scouts, and Armed Forces personnel. In addition, the Idaho Grower Shippers Association will donate three potatoes to The Idaho Foodbank's Eastern Idaho branch for each fan attending the game. With more than 28,000 fans expected, the donation could total 84,000 potatoes or 42,000 pounds.
Among other highlights at the Bowl game will be the debut of the Great Big Idaho® Potato Truck, "the largest potato on wheels." Weighing in at more than 12,000 pounds, the 48-foot long, 12-foot wide and 11.5-foot tall Great Big Idaho® Potato will travel across the country next year visiting customers, stopping by trade shows and of course, meeting millions of Idaho® potato fans along the way. In celebration of the IPC's anniversary, the truck will help raise awareness and funds for the Meals on Wheels Association of America.
To help consumers around the country embrace the spirit of this cold-weather game, the IPC initiated the following:
- Sweepstakes: The IPC sponsored a “Famous Idaho® Potato Bowl Getaway” package on its Facebook page. Michael Warnick from Las Vegas, NV won two tickets to the game as well as hotel accommodations in Boise for two nights, round-trip airfare and $400 spending cash.
- Celebrity Support: Culinary icon, Mr. Food, showed his support for the Bowl by filming one of his television vignettes on the blue turf at Bronco Stadium with Frank Muir. During the show, Mr. Food demonstrates how to prepare Idaho® Potato Spinach Balls -- a perfect game-day treat. These plump poppers, filled with wholesome Idaho® potatoes, spinach and pepper jack cheese are a delectable snack to feed hungry tailgaters. The segment will air during game week on 125 stations and reach more than 5 million viewers.
- Idahopotato.com: The IPC created a special tailgating page on its website that is loaded with delicious recipes to keep football fans fueled all season long.
As part of its sponsorship package, the IPC will receive extensive recognition during the game and throughout the stadium including:
- Year-long signage in multiple prominent locations
- Nine television and radio ads that will air during the game
- A :30 welcome message from Frank Muir that will air at the beginning of the game
- In-stadium billboards
- Public address mentions during the game
- Video board announcements during the game
- Logos on the 25-yard lines
- End zone, sideline and fence signage
- Multiple broadcast commentators’ mentions
- Game day program advertising with IPC logo on cover
- Newspaper ads
- Game tickets and passes
The Famous Idaho® Potato Bowl is the second game on the Bowl calendar and will be broadcast nationally on ESPN and on ESPN Radio on Saturday, December 17th at 3:30pm MT. The game, which has been played since 1997, has an average score of 38-25 and five of the past seven games were won on the final drive. The Aggies finished their final season with an overall record of 7-5, and the Bobcats, completed theirs with a record of 9-4.
Both the Aggies, from the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), and the Bobcats, from Mid-American Conference (MAC), finished second in their respective conferences. This will be the second time in history the two teams will play one another.
About the Idaho Potato Commission
The Idaho Potato Commission is a state agency that is primarily responsible for expanding the markets for Idaho-grown potatoes through advertising, promotion and research. The Commission also protects the use of the "Idaho® potato" and "Grown in Idaho®" seals, which are federally registered Certification Marks that belong to the IPC. These Marks ensure that consumers are purchasing potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho. For more information, visit www.idahopotato.com.
About the Bowl
The Famous Idaho® Potato Bowl recognizes the positive impact teams, coaches and student-athletes have in their communities and their leadership roles in promoting humanitarian efforts. Each year, the Bowl generates over $1 million in direct economic impact for the facilities and charities involved. For more information, visit www.famousidahopotatobowl.com.
# # #