Pepsi® Kicks Off 2021 NFL Season Encouraging Fans to Stay in and Unapologetically Binge Football, Even at the Expense of Their Sunday Plans

PURCHASE, N.Y., Aug. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Though the world may be calling, so is football. This year, Pepsi is giving the "okay" to all football watchers to choose their love of the game above all else, and fans agree. According to Nielsen[1], 2020 football fans were as devoted as ever, tuning into NFL games at more than three times the rate of other primetime programs. Pepsi is celebrating these loyal watchers with its "Made for Football Watching" campaign designed to inspire fans and gear them up (literally) for a season of hours upon hours of prime unapologetic NFL binge watching. Along with the return of national TV spots celebrating the football watcher, this year's program debuts with "Football Is Calling," new digital content featuring Billions star and Breaking Bad alum David Costabile, alongside a new program that gives fans a chance to score NFLShop.com merch and exclusive game-changing prizes – all to take their watch parties and football marathons to the next level.

"Sundays are very special days for NFL fans, as the football watching experience at home has become a somewhat sacred experience for many," said Todd Kaplan, VP of Marketing – Pepsi. "Now that fall schedules are beginning to fill up, we felt it was important to remind everyone to unapologetically prioritize their football watching time – even if it comes at the expense of social or household obligations. No matter where you find yourself this season, we're encouraging fans to celebrate their love of countless hours of football…and to do so with a Pepsi in hand, decked out in their favorite team gear."

"Football Is Calling" - Taking a Stand (to Sit Down)
Pepsi is unveiling a brand-new digital spot called "Football Is Calling" with actor and football watcher, David Costabile, to remind fans of the importance of their football Sunday watching rituals. Inspired by some of the most iconic speeches in sports film history, Costabile's character delivers a championship-worthy rallying cry to some faltering football watchers trying to bail on their gameday gathering to attend other social activities like brunch and shopping. "But there are six other days of the week you can go out. Days such as Tuesday. And Wednesday. But not today. Today is for football." Costabile's character passionately declares to the group.

Gear Up for Game Day
Through an epic new partnership with NFLShop.com, Pepsi is gearing up fans by giving away over $1 million of NFL gear and prizes through October. Fans who scan the code* on specially marked Pepsi bottles or packs can score points and use them in two ways – redeem them on NFLShop.com for gear across 32 NFL teams to show-off in front of friends, family and rivals, or use points to enter weekly sweepstakes for a chance to score one-of-a-kind prizes including a trip for two to Los Angeles to attend Super Bowl LVI and watch the Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show, an Unapologetic Fan Cave Makeover, a watch party with an NFL Legend and more.

QR codes* will be on specially marked Pepsi, Diet Pepsi and Pepsi Zero Sugar products in 12oz, 20oz and 12pk/15pk/24pk/36pk, or Pepsi and Diet Pepsi in 15pk minis for a limited time only up to ten weeks while supplies last.**

Pepsi will also unveil a full slate of consumer engagement opportunities, digital and linear content, local market fan-forward activations and much more in the coming months and throughout the NFL season. To make sure you're up to date on the latest "Made for Football Watching" news, make sure to follow @Pepsi on Twitter and visit MadeforFootballWatching.com.

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $70 billion in net revenue in 2020, driven by a complementary food and beverage portfolio that includes Frito-Lay, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Quaker, Tropicana and SodaStream. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including 23 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Convenient Foods and Beverages by Winning with Purpose. "Winning with Purpose" reflects our ambition to win sustainably in the marketplace and embed purpose into all aspects of our business strategy and brands. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com.

*QR Code is a registered trademark of Denso Wave Incorporated.

** NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A purchase will not increase your chances of winning. Promotion begins at 12:00 PM ET on 8/8/21 and ends at 11:59:59 PM ET on 10/16/21. Open only to legal residents of 50 US/DC, 18+ (19+ in AL and NE) years of age. For Official Rules, including how to enter, free method of entry instructions, odds, prize details and restrictions, visit madeforfootballwatching.com/officialrules. Void where prohibited. Msg&data rates may apply. Sponsor: Pepsi-Cola Company, 1111 Westchester Ave., White Plains, NY 10605. An entrant cannot participate solely by scanning the code. The NFL Entities (as defined in the Official Rules) have not offered or sponsored this promotion in any way.

[1] Crupi, A. C. (2021, January 7). NFL Remains TV's Undisputed Champion Despite a 7% Ratings Drop. Yahoo. https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-remains-tv-undisputed-champion-105501675.html

SOURCE PepsiCo

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