The Pop-Tarts Bowl: A Sweet Reminder of ‘Why We Bowl’

Events like the Pop-Tarts Bowl are exactly why we bowl in the United States of America.

Sure, it’s about the football—this year’s matchup between No. 13 Miami and No. 18 Iowa State has plenty of star power—but it’s also about the absolute chaos that makes bowl season the most wonderful time of the year.

Pop-Tarts Bowl Trophy is a WORKING Toaster:

Pop-Tarts Bowl 🤝 GE Appliances = the NEW Pop-Tarts Bowl trophy with a built-in WORKING (!!!) toaster #PopTartsBowl pic.twitter.com/hl1f3dU5Qg

— Pop-Tarts Bowl (@PopTartsBowl) December 15, 2024

From edible mascots to a working toaster trophy to sideline sprinkles, the Pop-Tarts Bowl isn’t just embracing the ridiculousness—it’s redefining it.

And honestly, that’s what bowl season is all about. These games are where tradition meets absurdity, where fans get to witness top-tier players and, occasionally, the ritual sacrifice of a giant Pop-Tart.

Edible Mascot, Sprinkle Sidelines, Trophy Toaster:

Live, edible mascot.
Working toaster in the trophy.
Sprinkles on the sideline.

The Pop-Tarts Bowl, a MASTERCLASS in branding and embracing the unique facets that make college football great. pic.twitter.com/O1zpZmPuwM

— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) December 28, 2024

It’s moments like these that remind us why bowl season is so special. Whether it’s the drama on the field or the unapologetic fun off it, bowls like this show us why we bowl. Because sometimes, football is about more than just the game—it’s about the pomp and circumstance surrounding it.

The 2023 Pop-Tarts Bowl was legendary. The live Pop-Tart disappearing into a toaster while holding a sign that says “Dreams really do come true” only to get eaten by the winning team on the other end was pure marketing genius.

2023 Pop-Tarts Bowl Celebration:

I still can't get over the Pop-Tart Bowl.

The live Pop-Tart disappearing into a toaster while holding a sign that says "Dreams really do come true" only to get eaten by the winning team on the other end is pure marketing genius.

Easily the best bowl gamepic.twitter.com/G1EqRwkBXm

— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) December 29, 2023

Cinema: Pop Tarts Bowl mascot commits suicide on national television, gets eaten by Kansas State Football Team following win over NC State

Easily the best bowl game on the calendar. Here’s to hoping today’s game between between No. 13 Miami and No. 18 Iowa State will deliver a similar result.

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