Move over, Gritty, the sports world has a new favorite mascot.
The first-ever Pop-Tarts Bowl introduced college football fans to a life-sized, actually edible Pop-Tarts mascot that was gleefully lowered into a giant toaster and ravenously devoured by players Thursday night. Named Strawberry, the Pop-Tarts mascot immediately went viral on social media for its sacrificial, yet delicious, execution after the college football game ended.
The Kansas State Wildcats, ranked No. 25 in the country, beat the North Carolina State Wolfpack, ranked No. 18, in the first-ever Pop-Tarts Bowl. The college bowl game, which has been sponsored by the food corporation Kellogg’s for the last three years, was previously named the Cheeto’s Bowl. Earlier this year, Kellogg’s split into two companies and rebranded itself as Kellanova, while still owning popular snacks like Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Treats, MorningStar Farms, Incogmeato, Gardenburger, Nutri-Grain, RXBAR and Eggo.
Thus, the first-ever Pop-Tarts Bowl was born, and Strawberry the edible mascot graced the gridiron.
After the Kansas State players won the game 28-19, the walking mascot was lowered into a comically large toaster with an oversized, strawberry-glazed smile on its face. It held a sign saying, “Dreams really do come true,” as it descended into the depths of the toaster and reappeared, sans arms and legs, on a tray for players to eat.
“RIP in peace,” the announcer said. “Can’t wait to eat you.”
Players ripped into the giant, smiling Pop-Tart and passed pieces around as Donna Summer and Kygo’s “Hot Stuff” played in the stadium after the game. The winners also received the first-ever Pop-Tarts Bowl trophy, which was wrapped in a huge silver wrapper and had two slots to hold actual Pop-Tarts.