America to Celebrate Ultimate College Basketball Upset With Championship Pizza Reward from Pizza Hut®

DALLAS, March 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As sports fans across America prepare their picks for the 2011 men's college basketball tournament, Pizza Hut and hungry pizza lovers are rooting for the upset of a lifetime – a No. 16 seed defeating a No. 1 seed in the second round. If history is made this year, Pizza Hut is prepared to reward America with free pizza.  

"If a 16 seed wins, America wins," said Kurt Kane, Chief Marketing Officer at Pizza Hut.  "An upset of this magnitude would be an unmatched sports moment, which deserves an unmatched celebration from Pizza Hut."

If a No. 16 seed shocks the world and upsets a No. 1 seed in the second round, Pizza Hut will load up its mobile kitchen and embark on a road trip of epic proportions. The Pizza Hut party tour will travel to each of the 48 contiguous states in the United States to hand out free slices of pizza at designated locations. More information about the tour will be unveiled if the upset occurs.  

Since 1985, 104 men's college basketball teams earning No. 16 seeds have battled No. 1 seeds.  All 104 have returned home in defeat. Pizza lovers from coast to coast are keeping their fingers crossed that 2011 is the year of the ultimate Cinderella story.

Basketball fans wanting their favorites from Pizza Hut can take advantage of everyday low prices, including $8 for a medium pizza (up to three toppings), $10 for a large pizza (up to three toppings) and $12 for a specialty pizza. With unmatched food at a value beyond belief, Pizza Hut is the perfect choice for fans gearing up for the tournament and watching their favorite teams play for a championship.

Pizza lovers and basketball junkies can join the buzz on Twitter surrounding the upset offer by using the hashtag #pizzachampions.

About Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut, America's Favorite Pizza, delivers more pizza, pasta and wings than any other restaurant. The only pizza company to be named a top ten franchise in 2009 by Entrepreneur Magazine, Pizza Hut began 50 years ago in Wichita, Kansas, and today operates nearly 10,000 restaurants in more than 90 countries. Pizza Hut, Inc. is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM). To check out what's new at Pizza Hut visit PizzaHut.com, or keep up with the brand via its social media channels at social.PizzaHut.com.

SOURCE Pizza Hut