With Super Bowl LIX just less than a month away and scheduled to take place in one of the tastiest cities in the country—and arguably the world —New Orleans, two industry players are teaming up with former two-time professional football champion and food enthusiast Vince Wilfork to help fans tackle a game favorite: the food.
Earlier this month, TUMS and DraftKings launched TUMS Fantasy Foodball Pool, a first-of-its-kind free online game where players can create a lineup made entirely of their favorite food and drink combinations.
“The fans have spoken; food is clearly a big part of any football watch party, and we’re thrilled to give them a competitive way to celebrate their love of gameday bites,” says Patricia Melo, Brand Director for TUMS. “Although the foods we love can occasionally lead to symptoms of heartburn, TUMS provides fast relief, allowing fans to feel rest-assured that they won’t have to sideline their fun.”
With a total of four rounds, food lovers can get in on the final two (this week and next) for free for a shot at winning a share of $40,000 in total cash prizes. From tailgate plates and spicy bites to sweet treats and New Orleans cuisine, fans can draft their top six food and drink choices from a menu of 36 items.
Good Food and a TUMS Fantasy Foodball Pool is Key
When visiting the Draft King’s website, food lovers will get to explore the following TUMS Fantasy Foodball Pool themes:
Jan. 20 to 26: Sweet Foods
Jan. 27 to Feb. 9: New Orleans Foods
Each round features the top foods and drinks selected by a survey of 2,000 Americans, ensuring plates will be filled with the most popular options, including the top 10 foods on respondents’ Big Game plates: barbecue (34%), hot wings (33%), seven-layer dip (24%), brownies (22%), chicken tenders/nuggets (22%), nachos (21%), pizza (20%), buffalo chicken dip (20%), fries (17%) and mini sliders and/or burgers (16%).
According to that survey, 54 percent of people believe that the gameday food spread has the power to make or break the experience. However, consistent snackers also note that enjoying these foods can occasionally lead to unwanted symptoms, with 1 in 4 citing heartburn as a potential outcome. Looking for a solution, 1 in 3 survey respondents said they hope their host has an antacid on hand.
As an avid cook, Wilfork has more time to whip up some of his favorite dishes for game day and have his heartburn relief on hand if needed. “I love all things grilling, so I’ll cook barbecue wings, ribs, chicken, sausage and brisket. I like to cook them low and slow– it’s worth it for the perfect taste and tenderness. Barbecue or buffalo wings are the food that doesn’t always love me back. I wouldn’t want to watch football without them, but they do occasionally give me heartburn, which is when I turn to TUMS for fast relief so I can get back to the game and my favorite foods! TUMS Chewy Bites are my favorite,” he says.
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A great strategy is key with $40,000 on the line as the foodball enters the final stretch. “My top tip for the TUMS Fantasy Foodball Pool is to think strategically about what the rest of the players are picking because you win points based on the popularity of your picks. Another tip—don’t forget to get your picks in! It’s free to play, so all you have to do is remember to place your picks each week until February 9th at DraftKings.com/TUMSFoodball for a shot at a share of cash prizes,” says Wilfork.
In addition to providing fans with an opportunity to indulge in their food plate fantasies, TUMS will kick off Big Game Weekend in the heart of the New Orleans food and libations culture with an event taking place at Bourbon Heat on Feb. 7. Open to the public, attendees will have the opportunity to try samples of TUMS Chewy Bites, enjoy exclusive merch and giveaways (while supplies last), and learn how to play the final round of the free TUMS Fantasy Foodball Pool.
Those heading to New Orleans could also run into Wilfork himself, who is making final Super Bowl plans, sharing, “My wife and I might be heading down to New Orleans to watch The Big Game live, and if we do, I know that I’ll be watching with some of my favorite New Orleans foods like boudin. The final round of TUMS Fantasy Foodball Pool is actually New Orleans food-themed, so I’ll probably be eating some of all that week’s picks, too!”
For more information on TUMS and its range of products, follow the brand on Instagram and TikTok (@TUMSofficial) or visit online.
To get in on the TUMS Fantasy Foodball Pool fun,visit Drafts Kings.