It’s almost February 9th, and while most people are eagerly anticipating the Big Game, the commercials have their own cult following. But if you’re in Florida this year, don’t expect to see many eyes on the classic car ads, beer promotions, or celebrity cameos. Why? Because one company is pulling off a devious marketing stunt that’s making everyone stare at their ad instead.

Getty Images
Getty Images
loading...

Twix's Sneaky Super Bowl Contest Turns Fans into Staring Contest Champions

Twix just announced a quirky new contest called the "Second Screen Stare Down" – and it’s running all through the Big Game. Here’s the deal: during each commercial break, viewers are encouraged to visit Twix’s website on their phones and participate in a staring contest.

That’s right – participants will lock eyes with a pair of virtual gold bars for as long as they can because the longer they stare, the more entries they get into a sweepstakes where one lucky person will walk away with two real solid gold bars. And when we say “solid,” we mean solid—we're talking around $170,000 worth of gold.

twix.com/staredown
twix.com/staredown
loading...

But here’s where it gets tricky: Twix has designed this contest so viewers end up staring at their commercial break after every kickoff. Sure, people will technically be participating in the game’s ads—but the catch is, that they will be so focused on holding their gaze that they won’t even notice the other ads. It’s like Twix is hijacking everyone's football game attention, and we can’t even be mad about it.

The Ying Yang Twins Team Up with Twix for a Gold Bar Giveaway Worth $170K

The campaign is all about celebrating “the power of two”—as in two Twix bars, two Ying Yang Twins (yes, the hip-hop duo is involved in this), and, of course, two solid gold bars. The Ying Yang Twins, who’ve teamed up with the candy brand for this “stare down,” explained that they’re all about the idea of “two is better than one,” which, coincidentally, is also the best way to describe this whole promotion.

Ying Yang Twins - Getty Images for BET
Ying Yang Twins - Getty Images for BET
loading...

“This is such a fun and unique concept,” said Kaine from the Ying Yang Twins. “Who wouldn’t want a shot at bringing home some gold?”

How does it work?

Simple: each time you participate, your chances of winning increase. The first commercial break nets you one entry. The second break, two entries. It keeps going up the longer you stare, and by the end of the game, the person who’s racked up the most stares will be chosen to receive the gold bars.

But don’t think this is just a silly distraction. It’s a brilliantly sneaky move from Twix, forcing you to engage with their ad while ignoring the others. We’re not saying they’ve cornered the market on attention, but it’s definitely a bold play.

Getty Images
Getty Images
loading...

Forget the Game—Floridians Are Fixated on Winning Real Solid Gold Bars During the Big Game

So, Florida—get ready to see a lot of people glued to their phones this last Football Game, eyes fixed on nothing but a pair of gold bars and their chances of winning the ultimate prize. You might not see many folks tuning into the typical Super Bowl ads, but Twix just made it impossible to look away.

How To Play:

  • Visit www.Twix.com during each commercial break
  • Stare at the screen for as long as you can
  • The more you participate, the better your chances of winning two gold bars
  • Must be 18 or older to enter

So, good luck, Floridians—while you’re cheering on your team, just remember: your eyes might be on the game, but Twix has already stolen your attention.

I-Rock 93.5 logo
Get our free mobile app

LOOK: 50 Famous brands that no longer exist

Stacker compiled a list of more than four dozen famous consumer brands that no longer exist, consulting sites such as TheStreet, Good Housekeeping, and Eat This, Not That!, along with numerous throwback sites dedicated to consumer brands.

Gallery Credit: Liz Barrett Foster

More From I-Rock 93.5