Free Pepsi and Taco for U.S. if World Series Home Run Hits Target; Pepsi and Taco Bell Outfit...

Business Editors

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 21, 2003

Starting tonight, World Series sluggers who step up to the plate may satisfy more than just the nation's appetite for baseball. Taco Bell(R) and Pepsi(R) are enticing players to knock a homer onto a 16-person target

in the stands behind left field to win a chance to feed everyone in the U.S. a free Crunchy Beef Taco and small Pepsi. This opportunity is available during games three, four and five in Miami to any Florida Marlins or New York Yankee player who hits a ball and strikes the designated six-and-a-half by eight-and-a half-foot target, located in the "Power Alley" near the left field foul pole at approximately 400 ft.

True to its "Think Outside The Bun" mantra, Taco Bell has joined with Pepsi again to place a twist on this year's target. Last year, a floating target was placed in McCovey Cove outside of Pac Bell Park during the 2002 World Series, but this year the target is located inside the stadium to give Americans a better swing at it. The target is composed of a 16-person team wearing oversized mortarboard hats. Together the hats configure to say "Free Pepsi and Taco for USA, Hit the Target" with a Taco Bell bulls eye. If any of the target team catches the ball or if the ball hits any part of the target, then it is a homerun for the fans!

"This Pepsi-Taco Bell promotion brings a whole new meaning to the term target marketing," said Dave Burwick, SVP and chief marketing officer, Pepsi Cola North America. "It has been an exciting post-season for Major League Baseball and we are thrilled to offer this promotion during one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year."

"Since no one hit the floating target from last year's World Series in San Francisco, Taco Bell and Pepsi are giving hungry fans some extra innings," said Greg Creed, chief marketing officer, Taco Bell Corp. "This year, we wanted to give baseball fans another chance at bat to win free food and involve them because they are the ones who help make baseball so exciting."

Taco Bell has purchased an insurance policy to cover the anticipated cost of the free taco and Pepsi redemption, should a home run make the mark. If a home run hits the target, every person in the U.S. will have an opportunity to obtain a free Crunchy Beef Taco and small Pepsi at participating Taco Bell(R) restaurants in the United States. Redemption will take place on Monday, November 24, 2003 between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. (local time). Additional information and offer details will be made available to consumers on the Taco Bell website, www.tacobell.com, and in media materials should this event occur.