We are kicking off the Idaho Potato Commission's new fiscal year and annual potato harvest with one of the biggest and most exciting partnerships in the Commission's history-a six-year sponsorship of two outstanding Idaho football teams: the Boise State Broncos (BSU) and the University of Idaho Vandals (UI). Beginning this season and for the next five seasons, Idaho's famous potatoes will be the "official team tater" with sideline signage in Bronco Stadium and Kibbie Dome and full-page ads in both teams' official programs.
In addition, the IPC will also be the major sponsor of the much-anticipated BSU vs. UI football game that is being played this year on November 12 at Kibbie Dome. When Idaho's two favorite teams battle it out on the field, Idaho potatoes will be front and center, cheering on both teams with in-game television and radio advertising, prominent signage on the field and sidelines and promotional giveaways before and during the game.
With recent changes announced in the Mountain West and Western Athletic conferences, future match-ups between these two teams remain uncertain, making this November game even more exciting than ever before. When scheduling does not allow the two teams to play in a given season, the IPC will sponsor one televised marquee game in each stadium with the same level of promotional support as it provides for the BSU vs. UI game, including airing the IPC's TV ad.
This year's new TV commercial, featuring Denise Austin, premiered during the exciting BSU vs. Virginia Tech game that was nationally broadcast on Labor Day on ESPN. Prior to the game, BSU shot video showing one of the lineman's secret strength training methods-running up and down the BSU stadium steps carrying 100-lb sacks of Idaho potatoes. Keep your eyes peeled for the video as it will be sent throughout the season to television stations in the cities where the Broncos are scheduled to play.
In recognition of the IPC's first college football sponsorship, IPC's website-www.idahopotato.com-will be updated with a new micro-site designed to fuel football fans across the country all season long. An all-star line-up of recipes like Drop Kick Idaho Potato Dip and Block and Tackle Idaho Potato Casserole, along with tailgating tips, will ensure that Idaho potatoes are the MVP at every football gathering. A special page will be created where consumers can post pictures of their party spread and the IPC's famous friend, Spuddy Buddy, will be able to be outfitted in a shirt that matches any team's colors. In addition, visitors to the website can enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a flat-screen television and an in-home catered bowl party featuring Idaho potatoes. Be sure to check-out that site that will be live in mid-September.
The IPC has an action-packed year planned and we wish everyone, including our two favorite football teams a successful and prosperous year.
Go Broncos! Go Vandals!