Tostitos Hosts Homecoming, Football Game for U.S. Vets

Tostitos, a brand of Plano, Texas-based Frito-Lay North America, has pledged its support of the Got Your 6 campaign and the Pat Tillman Foundation by hosting the ultimate football party and star-studded event for select U.S. military veterans.

The on-field surprise party – designed to celebrate the homecoming of veterans who have previously served overseas -- was complete with legendary college football players and coaches, including Bobby Bowden, Urban Meyer, Kurt Warner and Marcus Allen; actor and screenwriter, Owen Wilson; sideline reporting from Eric Stonestreet; and a performance by musical guest, Gym Class Heroes.

Highlights from the surprise party will be televised nationally during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl broadcast on ESPN on Jan. 3, 2013, and will be available on the Tostitos Facebook Page following the broadcast.

"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. "Making it a surprise and seeing this transformation unfold made this homecoming celebration even more unforgettable and exciting for everyone involved."

On Dec. 13, 28 unsuspecting service men and women arrived onsite at Cerritos College, just south of Los Angeles, for a casual game of flag football to benefit Got Your 6 and the Pat Tillman Foundation. Unbeknownst to them, more than 12,000 fans were awaiting their arrival, ready to cheer them on.

The Got Your 6 campaign, led by the entertainment industry, was designed to create a new conversation in America, one where veterans and military families are perceived as both leaders and civic assets. Founded in 2004, the Pat Tillman Foundation is a national leader in providing resources and educational scholarship support to veterans, active service members and their spouses.