Wendy’s Kick for a Million is Back on TSN
Toronto, ON (July 26, 2010) – It’s time to get kicking, Canada! TSN today announced details for the return of its international award-winning million dollar giveaway, Wendy’s Kick for a Million. For the sixth-consecutive year, one lucky fan will get the chance to kick a 50-yard field goal for $1 million. This year’s competition features two new venues for playoff rounds: Moncton, NB hosts the Eastern quarter-final while Hamilton, ON is the destination for the Wendy’s Kick for a Million semifinal.
The $1 Million Kick attempt will then air live nationally on October 15 during halftime of the CFL ON TSN: WENDY’S FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL broadcast featuring Hamilton @ Toronto (game starts at 7:30 p.m. ET). Both the game and the halftime event are available in High Definition.
“This program kicked off with a bang six years ago when our first-ever participant split the uprights to win $1 million. Since then it has become one of the ‘must-see’ events on the CFL ON TSN schedule,” said Phil King, President of TSN. “We are thrilled to work with Wendy’s again and give our fans another opportunity to kick for a million.”
With an expanded program this year, four randomly selected participants will participate in a series of kick-offs in front of live CFL crowds in Calgary, Hamilton and Toronto as well as Moncton as part of Scotiabank Touchdown Atlantic – the CFL’s first-ever regular season game in Atlantic Canada. Then one lucky fan will have the chance to turn a 50-yard field goal into a $1 million payday (see attachment for Contest Format).
The Wendy’s Kick for a Million contest begins today and runs through September 7. Fans are invited to enter online at TSN.ca/Wendys or RDS.ca/Wendys, with bonus entries being awarded for playing the Wendy’s Field Goal Challenge game and by referring friends to enter as well. In addition, fans can upsize their combo at any participating Wendy’s restaurant to receive a Game Card worth 50 bonus entries and a 1-in-9 chance to win instant prizes such as Wendy’s food prizes and gift cards, Samsung 32” LCD HDTVs, Timex watches and a 2011 Nissan Juke.
Lucrative prizes for this year’s Wendy’s Kick for a Million final event include:
· 20 Yards – Samsung $25,000 Family Package
· 30 Yards – Nissan 370Z Roadster
· 40 Yards – $100,000 cash
· 50 Yards – $1 million in a one-time payout – if the 50-yard attempt falls short, the participant will receive $1,000 for every yard kicked in the air
“With quarter-finals in Calgary and Moncton, the semifinals in Hamilton, and finals in Toronto, this year’s Wendy’s Kick for a Million is truly a national event,” said Lisa Deletroz, Regional Marketing Director, Wendy’s. “And with Quebec’s participation this year, the connection with our customers and CFL fans has never been stronger.”
In 2005, the first year of the contest, mechanical engineer Brian Diesbourg of Belle River, ON, became an overnight sensation by splitting the uprights at 50 yards and winning the $1 million grand prize.
Marketing Campaign
TSN and Wendy’s are supporting Wendy’s Kick for a Million with a multi-platform promotional strategy. Initiatives include two 30-second promotional spots airing on TSN and RDS, a targeted PR/marketing campaign, CFL ON TSN in-game mentions, online creative and e-blasts to registered TSN.ca users. Support also includes Wendy’s in-restaurant presence featuring 1.8 million Instant Win Game Cards and 3 million tray liners and take-out bags as well as window clings and other indoor/outdoor signage to communicate contest details in each participating Wendy’s restaurant. In addition, fans can follow the Wendy’s Kick for a Million campaign on Facebook and Twitter.
Wendy’s Kick for a Million continues to be one of TSN’s most popular fan contests. Last year’s promotion received 7.8 million total entries, up 178% from 2008. The Wendy’s Kick for a Million campaign has been recognized internationally in the industry, winning Silver in the Stunt/PR category at the 2006 Media Innovation Awards, as well as Silver and Bronze at the 2007 and 2008 PROMO! Awards, respectively, for Best Sponsorship or Tie-In Campaign. The promotion was also a finalist at the 2006 Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival in the Best Use of Special Events and Stunts category.
Wendy’s is an official partner of the Canadian Football League.
About Wendy’s
Wendy’s International is one of the world’s most successful restaurant operating and franchising companies with more than 6,600 restaurants worldwide. Wendy’s is a member of the Wendy’s/Arby’s Group, Inc. More information is available at www.wendys.com or www.wendysarbys.com.
About TSN
TSN is Canada’s Sports Leader and Canada’s most-watched specialty network. Delivering more sports coverage in High Definition than any other network in Canada, TSN’s comprehensive broadcast schedule features an exciting lineup of sports including NHL, IIHF, CFL, NFL, NBA, MLB, Season of Champions Curling, Golf’s Majors, F1, NASCAR Sprint Cup, Grand Slam Tennis and Championship Boxing events. TSN properties include TSN2, TSN MOBILE and the industry leading sports website TSN.ca. Official broadcaster of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and London 2012 Games of the Olympiad, TSN is a division of CTVglobemedia.
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