The Pop-Tarts Bowl and GE Appliances unveiled a first-of-its-kind trophy in Orlando with a built-in, working toaster.
The Pop-Tarts Bowl was thrilled to announce the unveiling of the first championship trophy in sports to include a working toaster, developed in partnership with GE Appliances, a Haier company. The first-of-its-kind innovation was designed to bring fans even closer to the spirit of the game, and their favorite toaster pastries, when the Miami Hurricanes and the Iowa State Cyclones kicked off at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.
The concept built on enthusiastic fan and media feedback from last year’s Pop-Tarts Bowl, which saw the brand make headlines around the world for its creative and unconventional in-game activations, including the first-ever edible mascot. This new addition for 2024 transformed the trophy from a beloved victory keepsake into an interactive celebration of flavor, nostalgia and football prowess.
“Our fans have made it clear: The Pop-Tarts Bowl isn’t just another game, it’s an experience,” Pop-Tarts Bowl CEO Steve Hogan said. “We listened, and with the help of GE Appliances, we’re delivering a trophy that doesn’t just sit on a trophy stand. We’re excited to share this fusion of fun and functionality with college football fans everywhere.”
“Pop-Tarts made a promise to turn convention on its head for the Pop-Tarts Bowl, and we stand by our word,” noted Heidi Ray, Senior Director of Marketing at Pop-Tarts. “By working with the brilliant minds at GE Appliances to make the trophy into an actual, working toaster, we are dialing up the Crazy Good in this time-honored football ritual.”
At the start of the process, it was only natural to enlist the help of GE Appliances, a company whose products have been a staple in many American homes for decades. From there, the co-creation and micro-factory team at FirstBuild in Louisville, Kentucky, rolled up their sleeves to solve this engineering conundrum.
“We have a belief at GE Appliances that there is always a better way. When Pop-Tarts asked us to put a working toaster inside a football trophy, we were determined to figure it out,” said Todd Getz, executive director of the GE Appliances brand. “We have long been a part of meals in American homes with our appliances, but this was an unusual ask. Our engineers mocked up several designs followed by 3-D printed models to produce this hand-polished marvel, complete with a cord to plug it in—making toasted pastries possible, even on the football field.”
The Iowa State Cyclones won 42-41 over the Miami Hurricanes. The 2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl was played on Saturday, December 28th, aired live on ABC, bringing the excitement to viewers nationwide. The trophy will return to the winning team’s campus.
Florida Citrus Sports is a not-for-profit event management organization dedicated to positively impacting the Orlando region while enhancing the quality of life in Central Florida through world-class events, including the Cheez-it Citrus Bowl, the Pop Tarts Bowl, the Florida Blue Florida Classic, the FC Series and the Camping World Kickoff.
