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The Pop-Tarts Bowl debuted with a bang last season thanks in no small part to the edible mascot that emerged as a viral sensation. It was a hard act to follow, but the game’s sponsors may have outdone themselves by adding a working toaster to the top of the trophy presented to the winner of the contest.
I’m not really sure how any reasonable person can disagree with the assertion that the Stanley Cup has firmly earned the designation of the best trophy presented in any sport, a reputation that’s inextricably linked to the functional nature of the bowl at the top that’s been harnessed as a vessel for beer, cereal, and multiple baptisms.
There are some other slightly less iconic trophies that boast a similar feature (the pieces of hardware presented to the golfers who win The British Open and PGA Championship are commonly used as a vehicle for alcohol), but every single one of them has now been put on notice thanks to the upgrade that was recently added to the prize presented at the Pop-Tarts Bowl.
It’s been close to 35 years since the bowl game that was originally dubbed the “Sunshine Classic” was played for the first time in Florida, and that showdown had nine different sponsors before a tenth was welcomed into the fold when Pop-Tarts secured the naming rights ahead of last year’s tilt between NC State and Kansas State.
That game ended with the Wildcats devouring the edible Pop-Tarts mascot that sacrificed itself for the greater good after being lowered into a giant toaster in the wake of their 28-19 win over the Wolfpack during what ended up being one of the more entertaining moments to come out of the 2023 bowl season.
Last month, we learned the MVP of the 2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl between Miami and Iowa State will get to pick which of the three mascots—Frosted Wild Berry, Frosted Hot Fudge Sundae, and Frosted Cinnamon Roll—will end up making the trip into the comedically oversized toaster before the winning team gets to devour them.
However, we were treated to another twist on Sunday night with a grand reveal that showed the Pop-Tarts Bowl Trophy now features a toaster that can be used to heat up the eponymous breakfast treats thanks to an assist from GE.
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
We are living in truly magical times.