The Duke’s Mayo Bowl has established itself as one of the more unconventional traditions in college football with its signature mayonnaise dump. This quirky ritual began in 2021 and takes place at Bank of America Stadium, where the winning head coach is showered with five gallons of mayonnaise. While some find the idea unappealing, it has become a widely discussed and anticipated moment among fans and participants alike. Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck even joked about preparing his bald head for the challenge, reflecting the lighthearted spirit of the event.
The preparation for the mayo dump involves a detailed process. Staff members pour five one-gallon containers of mayonnaise into a large cooler during the fourth quarter of the game. For over 25 minutes, they stir the mayo with a wooden stick to create a more pourable consistency. According to Duke’s Mayo brand director Rebecca Lupesco, no water is added—just relentless mixing, which is described as a workout. These efforts ensure the mayo is ready for the event’s grand finale.
Carrying out the mayo dump requires precision and care. After a mishap in 2021, when South Carolina’s Shane Beamer was accidentally hit by the cooler, the process was improved. The cooler’s handles were fortified, and mayo pourers are now selected through a rigorous process involving physical challenges, such as lifting buckets of mayonnaise and handling footballs covered in the condiment. This ensures that those chosen are fully capable of performing their unusual role safely and effectively.
On the day of the game, the mayo pourers practice extensively with a “dummy coach” to fine-tune their technique. The goal is to lift the cooler high enough to avoid hitting the winning coach while ensuring an even pour. Virginia Tech’s Brent Pry, despite not being fond of mayonnaise, expressed excitement about the possibility of taking part in the tradition, emphasizing its role in celebrating a hard-fought victory and entertaining fans and players.
For coaches who experience it, the mayo dump is both a unique honor and an unforgettable moment. Last year’s recipient, Neal Brown of West Virginia, described the mix of being cold and wet but ultimately elated after his team’s dominant win over North Carolina. The Duke’s Mayo Bowl has transformed a simple celebration into an iconic spectacle, adding humor and originality to the college football bowl season.