February 2022 - 32

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl produces
another mashup game
Idaho potatoes
IDAHO POTATO
COMMISSION
Brett Jensen
Chairman
have been the
naming sponsor
of America's most
exciting cold weather
bowl game - the
Famous Idaho Potato
Bowl (FIPB) -
for 10 years. The
2021 game didn't
disappoint the fans
in the stands and the
2 million folks who
watched the highscoring
game live on ESPN.
Wyoming defeated Kent State 52-38,
and Wyoming's Levi Williams was the first
quarterback to rush for 200 yards and have
four rushing touchdowns in a bowl game,
but it was all about the potatoes.
* While Boise State University's football
stadium is known for its iconic blue turf,
its official name is Albertsons Stadium.
Albertsons is one of the most popular
grocery store chains in America and the
go-to retailer for Idaho potatoes.
* The bowl game logo is a giant fluffy baked
potato that spans the middle of the field.
* The trophy is a crystal bowl filled with
plastic potatoes.
* The name, Famous Idaho Potato Bowl,
says it all. Unlike the Citrus or Orange
Bowls, sports fans know exactly who is
the title sponsor of the iconic game.
The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC),
the sponsor of the game, leverages every
opportunity available to promote Idaho
potatoes and the famous " Grown in Idaho "
seal to keep America's favorite vegetable top
of mind for customers especially during the
busy holiday season when they are shopping
and dining out. Product mentions include:
* ESPN television and radio ads.
* Video board announcements.
* Idaho potato logos on the field, in the end
zones and on the sidelines and fences
* Multiple mentions by the sportscasters.
* Game day program advertising with the
IPC logo on the cover and a several-page
spread.
In addition to the action-packed game,
viewers tuned in for two other reasons:
* French Fry Dump - Instead of
Gatorade, a huge bucket of French fries is
dumped on the winning coach's head. A
finale you'll only see at the Famous Idaho
Potato Bowl!
* Spuddy Buddy - the IPC's mascot
with the big eyes and infectious smile
has been named by both ESPN and
SBNation the #1 College Football
Mascot. From chest bumps with the
other mascots to stunting with the
cheerleaders to " spud-tacular " dance
moves that make the crowd go wild, all
eyes are always anticipating the giant
taters next move
The game also provides an opportunity to
promote a few of the IPC's other important
programs:
* The iconic Big Idaho Potato Truck was
parked amidst all the tailgating activities,
providing a backdrop for thousands of
selfies.
* The IPC presented its long-time charity
partner RODS, a nonprofit organization
that helps find homes in the U.S. for
orphaned children in other countries
with Down syndrome, an oversize check
for $25,000, representing its annual
donation to this worthy charity.
The FIPB has also helped launch the
careers of several well-known professional
football players. Two of the most recent
include:
* Zach Wilson, now quarterback for the
New York Jets, set a Brigham Young
record and tied the NCAA bowl record
as a freshman by completing every
pass attempted - 18-of-18 - for
317 yards and four touchdowns when
the Cougars defeated Western Michigan
in 2018.
* Josh Allen, current quarterback for the
Buffalo Bills and a former Pro Bowler,
declared for the NFL Draft in 2017 after
throwing three touchdown passes in the
first quarter for Wyoming in its 37-14 win
over Central Michigan.
Information on the 2022 Famous
Idaho Potato Bowl will be made available
mid-year.
32
Spudman.com
http://www.Spudman.com
February 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of February 2022
