The Duke’s Mayo Bowl has carved out a unique tradition in college football by celebrating the winning team with a rather unconventional prize—a mayonnaise bath. This peculiar rite has become a spectacle at the annual game held at Bank of America Stadium.
Introduced in 2021, the mayonnaise bath is exactly what it sounds like. The victorious head coach is honored, or perhaps subjected, to having five gallons of mayonnaise poured over them, a scene that often trends on social media. Minnesota’s head coach P.J. Fleck, with humor, speculated that having a bald head might make the mayonnaise slide off more easily, even considering pre-dumping strategies to ensure an efficient flow. The preparation for this event is no small feat.
The staff involved in the mayo dump prepare by transferring five one-gallon containers of mayonnaise into a large cooler, starting at the beginning of the fourth quarter. This mixture is stirred vigorously for over 25 minutes with a wooden stick to ensure it’s pourable. Rebecca Lupesco, Duke’s Mayo brand director, clarified that no water is added to the mayonnaise, despite rumors to the contrary. The stirring process itself can be quite a workout.
Traditionally, after the game’s conclusion, the winning coach is seated on the field, and two designated staff members pour the mayonnaise. The process has seen its challenges; in 2021, a handle mishap led to an accidental bump on South Carolina’s head coach Shane Beamer. Since then, improvements have been made to prevent such incidents. Lupesco explained that a ‘mayo combine’ was organized to train the mayo dumpers. This involved exercises such as lifting mayonnaise buckets and catching footballs with mayonnaise-coated hands to ensure strength and fitness.
Virginia Tech’s coach Brent Pry expressed his dislike for mayonnaise but remained eager to partake in the tradition if it meant a win for his team. Pry remarked on the amusement his family and team have had watching others receive the mayo bath, hoping to join their ranks. Neal Brown, the former West Virginia coach, recalled feeling cold and wet yet triumphant after his team’s 30-10 victory over North Carolina earned him the messy accolade.
The Duke’s Mayo Bowl mayonnaise bath, while unconventional, has cemented itself as a beloved quirky tradition in the college football community. It embodies a blend of humor, competition, and camaraderie, drawing attention from fans and participants alike.
Source: Local10
