For months, an anthropomorphic Pop-Tart has been training for the NFL Draft. This Friday, the walking breakfast pastry will achieve his destiny: Being toasted and subsequently devoured by hungry Pittsburghers.

The Pop-Tart ‘Sacrifice’ is Coming to Pittsburgh for the NFL Draft and You Can Try a Bite

The Pop-Tarts® Bowl, an annual college football bowl game, has featured a curious tradition since 2023: A walking, smiling Pop-Tart mascot has been lowered into a giant toaster at the conclusion of each contest, with a (genuine) giant Pop-Tart emerging from the toaster to be eaten by the winning team.

Don’t Worry: This is the Dream of Every Pop-Tart, We’re Told

Rest easy: We are assured that, narratively, the Pop-Tarts want to be toasted and consumed, seeing it as the natural dream of all ambulatory morning snack foods. Prior toasted Pop-Tarts have held signs reading “Live Your Dream” and “Dream It, Achieve It” as they’ve been sacrificed.

While clips from the Pop-Tarts Bowl have gone viral online, it’s never been something that fans could participate in — until this Friday. During the NFL Draft, Pop-Tarts will host the first ever Edible Mascot Sacrifice for fans, as Pop-Tarts Protein Slammin’ Strawberry “goes pro” via a giant toaster, with fans able to line-up for a piece of the tasty results.

Where and When to Grab a Piece of Pop-Tart

The event is scheduled for 1-4 p.m. this Friday, April 24 at Nova Place on the North Side. (While traffic and transportation will be challenging during the NFL Draft, Nova Place is a short walk from some of the areas serviced by additional public transportation this weekend.)

For the first two hours of the gathering, fans can get photographs with the mascots and toaster. When the clock strikes 3:00 p.m., Slammin’ Strawberry will ascend to the top of the toaster and meet his gleeful, if warm, fate.

Fans will then be able to enjoy a piece of the oversized Pop-Tart, while supplies last — so queue up early if you’re angling to enjoy the fruits of Slammin’ Strawberry’s sacrifice. It’s the first such ritual held outside of the Pop Tarts Bowl itself, making Pittsburghers and visiting fans the only non-athletes ever afforded a bite of glory.

Story by Sean Collier
Photos Courtesy of Pop-Tarts®

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