In a surprising twist, the 2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl trophy has been transformed into a functional toaster, thanks to a collaborative effort involving engineers and marketing teams. Following Iowa State’s victory, Cyclones receiver Jaylin Noel attempted to take the trophy home, only to discover it was not just a trophy, but a quirky appliance designed to toast Pop-Tarts. The unusual trophy, which features a football adorned with slots for fake Pop-Tarts, was first introduced in 2023, captivating fans and leading to a significant surge in sales for Kellogg’s, which sold an additional 22 million Pop-Tarts in the week following the bowl game.
The idea for a functional trophy emerged after last year’s unveiling when fans repeatedly asked, “Is it a real functional toaster?” According to Matt Repchak, chief marketing officer at Florida Citrus Sports, the initial trophy was not designed for actual use. The organization, which operates the Pop-Tarts Bowl alongside the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, recognized that they had tapped into something special and sought to enhance the trophy’s appeal.
With a partnership in place between Pop-Tarts and GE Appliances, the team turned to the FirstBuild lab at the University of Louisville, a microfactory specializing in consumer appliances. As the game approached, engineers faced the challenge of creating a trophy that functioned as a toaster, requiring innovative design and engineering expertise.
Josh Price, an engineer at FirstBuild, took on the task of developing the trophy. With a background in DIY projects and educational videos, he approached the design process with creativity. He began by stripping down a toaster to its essentials and employing computer-aided design (CAD) to create a model that would incorporate the NCAA football specifications. The initial design faced criticism for being too pointy, prompting Price to rethink the trophy’s aesthetics.
Price weighed various design features, such as adding a whimsical lever reminiscent of a slot machine. However, constraints from marketing and legal teams kept him grounded. The goal was to ensure that the toaster not only looked good but functioned safely. After refining the design, Price and his team produced two sturdy halves of the trophy using 300 pounds of aluminum, which were then meticulously polished by technician Will Roberts.
As the unveiling approached, the team successfully integrated the toaster into the trophy design while ensuring that it maintained the signature Pop-Tarts sprinkles pattern. When the trophy was ready for its debut, it was transported securely to Orlando for the game. Price, who acted as the trophy’s caretaker, warned that the 90-second toasting time might feel longer on live television.
During the game, when Iowa State’s coach Matt Campbell dropped two cinnamon roll Pop-Tarts into the toaster, anticipation built. However, the moment took an unexpected turn when the Pop-Tarts launched out of the toaster mid-broadcast, much to the delight of the audience. While the marketing team celebrated, engineers scrambled to assess the situation and troubleshoot on the fly.
Despite the chaotic start, the trophy’s unveiling proved successful, creating a memorable spectacle that resonated with viewers. Repchak noted the importance of entertainment value in bowl games, especially as competition intensifies among college football programs. The Pop-Tarts Bowl drew 6.8 million viewers on ESPN, surpassing even the College Football Playoff first-round game.
The trophy’s legacy is already solidified, having earned a place as a temporary exhibit at the College Football Hall of Fame from January to March 2024, signifying its status as a cultural icon in college football. Price and his team from FirstBuild view the trophy as one of their proudest achievements, reflecting their commitment to innovation and creativity in engineering.
As they prepare for future iterations of the trophy, the team has already made improvements, reducing the toasting time to 45 seconds and enhancing the functionality of the appliance. The Pop-Tarts Bowl trophy has become more than just a whimsical award; it stands as a testament to the blending of engineering, sports, and pop culture, leaving everyone wondering what the next innovative step will be.
