The Cheetos Brand Creates A Spectacle Of Mischief And Fun With The Launch Of Los Cheetahs, The Most Entertaining Futbol Club In The World

PLANO, Texas, Oct. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In what promises to be an entertainment experience unlike anything you've ever seen, Chester Cheetah, the official Cheetos brand spokes-cheetah, today announced the introduction of Los Cheetahs. This insanely talented team of trick fútbol players combines athleticism, theater and comedy — a spectacle only fitting for the most popular sport in the world and the most mischievous brand. Los Cheetahs will embark on a nationwide tour beginning with an event on November 8 in Long Beach, Calif.  To add to the magnitude of this news, global fútbol legend, Jorge Campos, is on the roster as one of Los Cheetahs' goalies.

A Los Cheetahs game will not be your average soccer match because the players encourage audience participation and interaction with tricks throughout the entire event. This will be a definite difference from their opponent and arch nemesis, Los Jefes, who definitely don't follow the fun, mischievous way Los Cheetahs play the game.

Even the venue for Los Cheetahs' first event will be outrageous — a custom-built, over-the-top soccer stadium, right on the beach. It's a fitting location for the introduction of this larger-than-life team and is designed to properly showcase Los Cheetahs' wild antics.  

The timing for this spectacular and fun twist on the game could not be any better, as Americans are more interested in soccer than ever before. Between the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, the number of adults who attended a major soccer match nearly doubled — an increase of 87 percent. During that same period, the number of Americans who watched, attended or listened to a major soccer match increased by 32 percent.[1]

"Soccer is certainly enjoying its moment in the spotlight, especially following this summer's World Cup. We felt this was the perfect time to bring fans a new, fun and exciting way to interact with the Cheetos brand through a sport they already love," said Ram Krishnan, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Frito-Lay North America. "Los Cheetahs builds on the Cheetos brand's desire to bring families together, giving them the chance to explore their inner mischief while enjoying time with each other, as well as friends and other soccer fans."

Campos, a celebrated global fútbol legend, also sees the event as a way to combine two of his greatest joys in life: fútbol and family. "For me and many others, soccer is so much more than a sport, it is a way of life, a passion as strong as family and something that is enjoyed and passed down from generation to generation," he said. "I am excited to be a part of Los Cheetahs' inaugural game, bringing together my love for soccer and showcasing a whole new style of the sport — fútbol with a playful twist. I'm looking forward to bringing some of my best moves out of retirement."

Inaugural Game-Day Details
On November 8, game day enthusiasts can enjoy a non-stop celebration with a pre-game Fútbol Fiesta beginning at 11 a.m. PT. In addition to the 60-minute game, attendees will be able to enjoy free Cheetos snacks, local food trucks, face painting and family friendly games. Game time is 2 p.m. PT.

Following the November 8 game, Los Cheetahs will take their skills on the road throughout 2015 in select markets.

For more details on Los Cheetahs, including information on how to get tickets for the November 8 game, please visit www.CheetosFutbol.com, follow @ChesterCheetah and check us out at www.facebook.com/Cheetos.

About Cheetos
Cheetos is one of the billion-dollar brands that makes up Frito-Lay North America, the $13 billion convenient foods business unit of PepsiCo PEP, which is headquartered in Purchase, NY. Learn more about Cheetos by visiting www.facebook.com/Cheetos.

About PepsiCo
PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $66 billion in net revenue in 2013, driven by a complementary food and beverage portfolio that includes Frito-Lay, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Quaker and Tropicana. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including 22 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

At the heart of PepsiCo is Performance with Purpose – our goal to deliver top-tier financial performance while creating sustainable growth in shareholder value. In practice, Performance with Purpose means providing a wide range of foods and beverages from treats to healthy eats; finding innovative ways to minimize our impact on the environment and reduce our operating costs; providing a safe and inclusive workplace for our employees globally; and respecting, supporting and investing in the local communities where we operate. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com.

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[1] Nielsen Scarborough. June 9, 2014

SOURCE PepsiCo