UMass Amherst Challenges UCLA in 9th Super Bowl Wager

Ken Toong
Ken Toong

AMHERST, Mass. – Following tradition, University of Massachusetts’ Auxiliary Enterprises Director Ken Toong is engaging in a friendly food wager with the UCLA Dining Services team in honor of the New England Patriots competing against the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII this Sunday.

UCLA Dining Services’ Senior Director Al Ferrone has officially accepted the challenge. In the event of a Patriots victory, UCLA Dining will send a member of their culinary team to UMass’ flagship campus to serve Dodger Dogs, Kogi tacos, tortilla soup and avocado toast to UMass students.

If the Rams win, UMass Dining will send one of their top chefs to dish out a clambake, New England chowder and Boston cream pie for a dozen diners. North Coast Seafood of Boston and Blount Fine Foods of Fall River, Mass., will sponsor the event.

Toong is known for his Super Bowl wagers, having made bets eight other times. Toong’s record is 5-3 in Super Bowl wagers – and he’s hoping this year will bring another win home for New England and for UMass Dining.

To add to the competitive spirit, Toong has added daily specials to the menu. Expect to see a Send the Rams Back to California Roll at Wasabi, Atlanta Bound Americano at People’s Organic Coffee and a Beat LA Pizzetta of the Day at Tavola.

With game day approaching, Toong and Ferrone are looking forward to the competition.

“It’s great to get both award-winning dining programs involved in this friendly competition. The big game is going to be exciting,” says Toong. “I am hopeful the Pats will come out on top with all of their experience and our students will enjoy the ‘winning’ treats from the West Coast.”

“Growing up on the East Coast and living on the West for so many years, I miss some of my favorite foods such as a great clam bake and a big bowl of chowder,” says Ferrone. “My team and I are salivating in anticipation of having this great meal after the Super Bowl. What makes this even more special is knowing that it will be prepared from scratch from the extremely talented culinary team at UMass.”

Confidently, Toong predicts the Pats will win 28-21.