FREE
TACOS FOR U.S. IF MIR HITS FLOATING
TACO BELLŪ OCEAN TARGET
Taco Bell sets 40 by 40 foot target in
South Pacific for Mir's Re-entry
|
IRVINE,
CA, March 20, 2001 -- Taco Bell is
offering a free taco to everyone in
the U.S. 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 U.S. 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 website 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.
Taco Bell Corp., a division of Tricon
Global Restaurants Inc. (NYSE: YUM),
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 over 7,200 restaurants nationwide,
generating $5.2 billion in system-wide sales