LOUISVILLE Ky. Papa John’s, a longtime sponsor of college football, has graduated to the big leagues with its official sponsorship of the National Football League and Super Bowl XLIV.
Louisville-based Papa John’s, the nation’s third-largest pizza chain, on Tuesday was named the “official pizza sponsor” of the league and the Super Bowl, which takes place Feb. 7. The brand has been kicking off new pizza deals and commercials to celebrate January as “National Football Month.”
From now through the Super Bowl, Papa John’s will offer special deals meant for football watching parties, including the Super XL IV pizza, an extra-large pizza with up to four toppings for only $11.99.
“Companies and brands associate with the NFL and the Super Bowl because they are committed to a quality and leadership position, and that’s consistent with our philosophy at Papa John’s,” said chief marketing officer Andrew Varga. “This is an important marketing partnership for Papa John’s, as there is no better combination in our industry than pizza and NFL football. The Super Bowl is the grandest stage -- or ‘house,’ as we like to call it -- and Papa John’s is thrilled to be in the house with football fans at this event.”
The company is running a concurrent “Be in the House with Papa at the Super Bowl” sweepstakes, in which one contestant will win two tickets and accommodations to Super Bowl XLIV in Miami. The chain also has partnered with former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy, the honorary chairman of National Football Month, to donate $1 to Dungy’s charity, All Pro Dad, for every order of a special meal. The All Pro Dad Special, available only online, is any large specialty pizza and an order of breadsticks for $16.99.
“Watching NFL football is one of our great social traditions, and Papa John’s pizza is a great choice for such occasions with family and friends,” said Keith Turner, senior vice president of media sales and sponsorship for the NFL. “We are very pleased to have Papa John’s as the official pizza sponsor of the NFL and Super Bowl XLIV.”
Papa John’s has been a high-profile sponsor of college football for years, most recently as the title sponsor of the PapaJohns.com Bowl and purchasing the naming rights to Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium in Louisville.
The company has more than 3,400 restaurants worldwide.
Contact Mark Brandau at [email protected].
