Shuman Farms, an industry-leading, family-owned, year-round grower and shipper of sweet onions, is partnering with the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) and Georgia Southern University Athletics to bring an appetizing new event to fans: Rooted Rivalry: Onions vs. Potatoes. This unique mash-up, taking place in Statesboro, Ga. at the Eagles’ football home opener on August 31 against the Boise State Broncos, will celebrate two beloved root vegetables and gameday staples – sweet onions and Idaho® potatoes.
Rooted Rivalry: Onions vs. Potatoes will feature a tailgate experience that layers culinary delight with sporting competition. Fans will be invited to enjoy samples of Idaho® potato chips with sweet onion dip while taking advantage of fun photo opportunities with Shuman Farms’ Giant Sweet Onion, the Big Idaho Potato Truck and IPC’s mascot, Spuddy Buddy. The event promises to be a flavorful and fun celebration of these two versatile vegetables, bringing fans together for the start of the 2024-2025 college football season.
“As a Georgia Southern alumnus and with our farm right in their backyard, we couldn’t be more excited to partner with a university that contributes so much to the state of Georgia,” said John Shuman, President and CEO of Shuman Farms. “This partnership not only allows us to support our community but also adds a fun twist to the tailgate experience by turning it into a friendly rivalry with our friends at the Idaho Potato Commission. We can’t wait to celebrate with fans and enjoy all the delicious ways these veggies can be used.”
“We’re always looking for new ways to engage with consumers, and the Rooted Rivalry scores a touchdown with IPC – we get to sample famous Idaho® potatoes with passionate college football fans while introducing thousands to the Big Idahoâ Potato Truck and Spuddy Buddy,” said Jamey Higham, President and CEO, IPC. “We’re looking forward to kicking off the season with our friends at Shuman Farms.”
Renowned for their unique flavor and versatility, sweet onions are no stranger to gameday menus. Whether it’s topping burgers and hot dogs at a tailgate, crispy fried onion rings from the concession stand, or as an ingredient in your favorite dips and appetizers, sweet onions are sure to be the MVP of any menu lineup this season.
Often lauded as America’s favorite vegetable, Idaho® potatoes are versatile, healthy and most importantly, delicious any way they’re prepared. The IPC has become well-known for its high-profile marketing programs like the Big Idaho® Potato Truck, the Famous Idaho® Potato Bowl, Idaho® Potato Lover’s Month, Spuddy Buddy and Frites, a French fry scented perfume. To ensure you’re purchasing genuine Idaho potatoes, always look for the “Grown in Idaho®” seal.
Shuman Farms, the Official Sweet Onion Grower of Georgia Southern Athletics, is a third-generation family farm based in Reidsville, Ga., the heart of the Vidalia growing region. The partnership, which began in 2023, reflects Shuman Farms' commitment to educating the next generation of shoppers and promoting sweet onions as an essential ingredient. Part of this effort includes the Sweetest Ingredient campaign, partnering with chefs and restaurants throughout Georgia during peak season.
For more information on Rooted Rivalry: Onions vs. Potatoes and to purchase tickets for the game, visit GSEagles.com. For more information on Shuman Farms and its partnerships, follow along at @ShumanFarmsGA on Instagram and Facebook, and visit www.shumanfarmsga.com.
Headquartered in the center of the Vidalia® growing region in Southeast Georgia, Shuman Farms is an industry-leading, year-round grower, packer and shipper of premium sweet onions. Shuman Farms has been providing high-quality onions to customers across North America for three generations. The family-owned organization is committed to sustainability and innovation, using environmentally friendly farming practices and cutting-edge technology to ensure the best possible product. Learn more about Shuman Farms at shumanfarmsga.com.
About the Idaho Potato Commission
Established in 1937, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is a state agency responsible for promoting and protecting the famous “Grown in Idaho®” seal, a federally registered certification mark that assures consumers they are purchasing genuine, top-quality Idaho® potatoes. Idaho's growing season of warm days and cool nights, ample mountain-fed irrigation and rich volcanic soil, give Idaho potatoes their unique texture, taste and dependable performance, that differentiates Idaho potatoes from potatoes grown in other states for over 87 years. Please visit Idaho Potato Commission's website for all things Idaho potatoes.
About Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers approximately 155 different degree programs serving more than 27,000 students through 10 colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. Georgia Southern is a member of the Sun Belt Conference for athletics and sponsors 17 NCAA Division 1 varsity sports with over 450 student-athletes competing for the Eagles.
About Georgia Southern Sports Properties - Learfield
Georgia Southern Sports Properties (GSSP) is the exclusive multimedia rights holder for Georgia Southern Athletics and is a member company of Learfield, the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties.
With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield’s presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms.
Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.
