Tostitos welcomes troops home with football fiesta

PLANO, Texas — Tostitos surprised 28 U.S. military veterans who have previously served overseas with a special homecoming celebration.



The unsuspecting service men and women arrived at Cerritos College just south of Los Angeles to play a casual game of flag football, benefitting Got Your 6 and the Pat Tillman Foundation, and divided into Team Freedom and Team Liberty. Upon their arrival, they found more than 12,000 fans waiting for them. While the veterans suited up for the game, legendary college football coaches Bobby Bowden and Urban Meyer announced they would each coach one team. Playing alongside the veterans were Marcus Allen and Kurt Warner. Actor Owen Wilson was also on hand, playing with Team Freedom. Eric Stonestreet reported from the sidelines and Gym Class Heroes was the musical guest.



"The Tostitos brand is all about making anytime party time, and we couldn't think of a better reason to throw a party than to thank the men and women in uniform for their service and sacrifice overseas," said Tony Matta, VP, marketing, Frito-Lay.



The surprise Tostitos Homecoming Party Bowl was made possible through a partnership with Got Your 6 and the Pat Tillman Foundation. Got Your 6 is a campaign led by the entertainment industry that encourages the nation to view veterans and military families as leaders and civic assets. Founded in 2004, the Pat Tillman Foundation provides resources and educational scholarship support to veterans, active service members and their spouses.



Highlights from the surprise party were captured on film and will be televised nationally during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl broadcast on ESPN January 3, 2013. The highlights will also be available on the Tostitos Facebook page following the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl broadcast.



Team Freedom won the game, 26-20.