Column: Famous Idaho Potato Bowl boasts more than two decades of classic games
For more than two decades college football teams have been traveling to Boise to play their hearts out at the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (FIPB), which, for many players, one of the biggest events of their lives.
The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is extremely proud to host these athletes, their families and friends, cheerleaders and band members to help create an unforgettable experience for everyone. And we know it’s unforgettable from the support we get from NFL players who played in the FIPB. These athletes jump at the chance to help promote the game and Idaho potatoes through their personal social media pages by posting photos and/or videos of themselves with big russets and sometimes a Spuddy Buddy or two. Some of the players we’ve worked with include:
- Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
- Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
- Kyle Van Noy, New England Patriots
- Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints
- Jamaal Williams, Green Bay Packers
- Greg Jennings, Retired
- Corey Davis, Tennessee Titans
In addition to the 20,000 folks in the stands and nearly two million fans around the country who watch the game live on ESPN, the IPC’s sponsorship generates hundreds of millions of media impressions for the brand all year long through newspaper articles, television news spots, radio programs and social media. It also serves as a platform to promote many of the IPC’s other important programs:
Truck — The iconic Big Idaho Potato Truck is always parked amidst all the tailgating activities, providing a backdrop for thousands of selfies.
RODS — Every year the IPC presents its long-time charity partner RODS with an oversize check for $25,000 on the field during a time out. RODS is a nonprofit organization that helps find homes in the U.S. for orphaned children in other countries with Down syndrome,
Spuddy Buddy — This year, the IPC’s famous mascot, who entertains fans from the sidelines, was named the No. 1 College Football Bowl Mascot by SBNation.
Additionally, the IPC makes sure that everyone who watches the game either in Boise or on television knows who the naming sponsor is, and is encouraged to look for the famous “Grown in Idaho” seal.
- Permanent signage in prominent locations throughout Albertsons Stadium
- Nine ESPN television and radio ads
- A 30-second IPC welcome message at the beginning of the game
- 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 and a three-page spread inside
In my opinion, the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl is one of the most exciting of all college bowl football games. Every year, long-standing records are broken and talented young men are recruited to the NFL to become all-star players. This year BYU freshman quarterback Zach Wilson threw a perfect game to defeating the Western Michigan Broncos. Last year, Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen declared at the FIPB he was entering the NFL draft. He was the No. 7 draft pick and is now the starting quarterback for the Buffalo Bills.
The game is unpredictable, it’s exciting, it’s fun and it represents what college athleticism is all about. And more importantly, the bowl game reinforces that Idaho potatoes are the premier way for athletes and fans alike to fuel up with America’s favorite vegetable!
— Frank Muir is the president and CEO of the Idaho Potato Commission. Its mission is contribute to the economic welfare of the State of Idaho, its potato growers and other potato-related businesses.
