Boise, ID – From the moment the Wyoming Cowboys mascot, Cowboy Joe (a young pony with a big spirit) trotted onto the blue field at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho, it was “game on.” The Wyoming Cowboys, representing the Mountain West Conference, defeated the Central Michigan Chippewas from the Mid-American Conference 37-14 in the country’s premier cold-weather college bowl game with close to two million fans around the country watching it live on ESPN.
“Wyoming and Central Michigan each played a fantastic game, and I have no doubt they were fueled by the support of their schools who sent marching bands and cheerleaders, as well as the thousands of dedicated fans who weathered the cold to cheer on their teams. All in all, it was a fun and exciting game – the cheer teams even included Spuddy Buddy in a cheerleading stunt,” explained Frank Muir, President & CEO, Idaho Potato Commission (IPC). “After seven fantastic years as the naming sponsor, I’m proud to announce that the Idaho Potato Commission will remain the naming sponsor of the Famous Idaho® Potato Bowl for another five years.”
Many NFL eyes were on this high-profile game. Several NFL representatives, including John Elway of the Denver Broncos, were at the game identifying players to potentially add to their 2018 lineup, including Wyoming quarterback, Josh Allen. Allen threw 154 yards and three touchdowns, received the MVP Award and officially announced that he will be entering the 2018 NFL Draft. Additionally, four NFL players, who either played in the Famous Idaho® Potato Bowl during their college career or graduated from Central Michigan or Wyoming, Tweeted their support:
- Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons (Boston College)
- Corey Davis, Tennessee Titans (Western Michigan University)
- Mark Nzeocha, San Francisco 49ers (University of Wyoming)
- Thomas Rawls, Seattle Seahawks (Central Michigan)
Every year the IPC personalizes its sponsorship package to strengthen the Idaho® potato brand at the game:
- The iconic Big Idaho® Potato Truck was parked amidst all the tailgating activities, providing a backdrop for thousands of selfies!
- Miss Idaho, Taylor Lance, greeted fans at the Big Idaho® Potato Truck and was on the field for the coin toss along with Frank Muir; three-time Olympic gold medalist, Kristin Armstrong; Spuddy Buddy; Dave Bieter, Mayor of Boise and Kevin McDonald, Executive Director of the FIPB.
- The IPC presented its long-time charity partner, RODS, a non-profit organization that helps find homes in the U.S. for orphaned children in other countries with Down syndrome, an oversize check for $25,000. Frank Muir and Lynn Wilcox, Chairman of the IPC, presented the check on the field during the third quarter to RODS founding member, Trace Dandrea, and his son Anthony, and to Stephanie Fornander of the RODS Jr. program.
- Spuddy Buddy, lauded as the best bowl game mascot by ESPN, danced up and down the sidelines cheering on both teams with energetic antics and a contagious ear-to-ear grin.
Just days prior to the game, the IPC announced that it signed on as the naming sponsor of the FIPB for another five years. As the naming sponsor, the IPC receives significant recognition leading up to and during the game including:
- Permanent signage in prominent locations throughout Albertsons Stadium
- Nine ESPN television and radio ads
- A 30-second welcome message from Frank Muir
- Several public address mentions and 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
About The Idaho Potato Commission
Established in 1937, the IPC is a state agency responsible for promoting and protecting the famous “Grown in Idaho™” seal, a federally registered certification mark that assures consumers are purchasing genuine, top-quality Idaho® potatoes. Idaho’s growing season of warm days and cool nights, ample mountain-fed irrigation, and rich volcanic soil give Idaho® potatoes their unique texture, taste and dependable performance, which differentiates them from potatoes grown in other states.
Source: The Idaho Potato Commission
