Taco Bell is
offering a free taco to everyone in the United States if the core of
the Mir space station hits a floating Taco Bell target placed in the
South Pacific.
Later this week, all eyes will be fixed on the sky in anticipation
of the 150-ton space station’s return to earth.
Taco Bell has created a 40 by 40-foot target, painted with a Bell
bull’s-eye and bold purple letters stating: “Free Taco Here.” The
floating target will be placed in the South Pacific Ocean off the
coast of Australia in advance of Mir’s descent.
“Taco Bell is capturing the imagination of millions of people as
they eagerly await Mir’s return to earth,” said Chris Becker, vice
president of brand communications, Taco Bell Corp. “If Mir rings our
bell, we will offer a free taco to everyone in the U.S.,” added
Becker.
If the core of Mir hits the designated Taco Bell target upon its
re-entry, every person in the United States will have an opportunity
to obtain a coupon for a free taco, valid at participating Taco Bell
restaurants.
Coupon distribution, redemption and offer details will be made
available to consumers on the Taco Bell Web site and in press
materials should this event occur. Taco Bell has purchased an
insurance policy to cover the anticipated cost of the free taco
redemption should the core of Mir hit the target.
Mir is the biggest object ever to be brought back to Earth and its
re-entry is considered one of the most extraordinary celestial events
in history. The 15-year-old space station is expected to pass over
Japan before plummeting into the South Pacific, where the Taco Bell
floating target awaits its descent.
For a minute-by-minute countdown of Mir’s descent and to view a
photo of this floating target, visit www.tacobell.com.
Taco Bell Corp., a division of Tricon Global Restaurants Inc.
, is the nation’s leading Mexican-style quick-service
restaurant chain serving tacos, burritos, signature Chalupas and
Gorditas, nachos and other specialty items. Taco Bell serves nearly 40
million consumers each week in more than 7,200 restaurants nationwide,
generating $5.2 billion in system-wide sales.
