This column, written on behalf of the Idaho Potato Commission, appears in the March 2022 issue of Potato Grower.
Idaho potatoes have been the naming sponsor of America’s most exciting cold-weather college football bowl game, the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (FIPB), for 10 years. The 2021 game didn’t disappoint either the fans in the stands and the 2 million folks who watched the high-scoring game live on ESPN.
While Wyoming defeated Kent State 52-38, and Wyoming’s Levi Williams was the first quarterback to rush for 200 rush yards and have four rushing touchdowns in a bowl game, it was really 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 the title sponsor of this game is.
The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) 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 stadium’s 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 popular reasons:
French Fry Dump: Instead of Gatorade, a huge bucket of French fries is dumped on the winning coach’s head. It’s 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 No. 1 bowl game mascot. From chest bumps with team mascots, to stunting with the cheerleaders to “spudtacular” dance moves that make the crowd go wild, all eyes are always anticipating the giant tater’s 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 longtime charity partner RODS, a non-profit organization that helps find homes in the U.S. for orphaned children in from 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:
- Josh Allen, now quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, declared his candidacy for the NFL draft in 2017 after he threw three touchdown passes in the first quarter for Wyoming and defeating Central Michigan 37-14.
- Zach Wilson, now quarterback for the New York Jets, set a BYU record and tied the NCAA bowl record as a freshman throwing a perfect game: 18 for 18 passing, 317 yards and four touchdowns when the Cougars defeated Western Michigan in the 2018 game.
Information on the 2022 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl will be made available mid-year.