EAGLE, ID, December 21, 2010 – Idaho® potato and Boise State University (BSU) fan, Connie Maakestad, is $500 richer just for waving her “Spud Hat” in front of the ESPN cameras at BSU’s first game of the season on September 6. During the last 46 seconds of the action-packed BSU vs. Virginia Tech game, the ESPN cameras captured Maakestad wildly cheering and waving her potato-shaped hat bearing the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) and BSU logos. This clip was seen by millions across the country including Frank Muir, President & CEO of the IPC.
When Muir was recently interviewed by KTIK Radio about the IPC’s sponsorship of the BSU and University of Idaho (UI) football teams, he said, “During the BSU vs. Virginia Tech game, I saw one lady proudly waving her Spud Hat…And if I knew who she was, I’d give her $500.” Luckily, Connie was listening to the radio program and called in right away.
I’m a life-long BSU fan and couldn’t believe I was the person Mr. Muir was looking for,” explained Maakestad. “I got my Spud Hat last year and I bring it to every game. I love it! I’m heading to Las Vegas to watch the Broncos play the University of Utah Utes, and the $500 will certainly come in handy. Thank you Idaho Potato Commission!”
The IPC, which is a six-year sponsor of the BSU Broncos and UI Vandals, has shipped thousands of Spud Hats to the MAACO Bowl taking place in Las Vegas on December 22. The Bronco cheerleaders will be handing out the coveted hats to fans at pre-game parties and at the stadium. The IPC will also air its newest television commercial featuring Denise Austin twice during the televised bowl game.
“Every year we’ve shipped Spud Hats to the bowl game and this year is no different,” said Muir. “We hope that fans who have Spud Hats proudly wear or wave them to show their support for one of the country’s greatest college football teams. Let’s rally in Las Vegas and show the nation how proud we are of BSU and the state of Idaho.”
One Lucky Fan Can Win $500
Fans who attend the MAACO Bowl and share a picture of themselves wearing a Spud Hat have a chance to win $500! Post the photo on the IPC’s Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/#!/famousidahopotatoes by Monday, December 27 and one lucky person will be randomly selected from all who post a photo to secure the $500 prize.
Source: Idaho Potato Commission
