Sudbury Actor Rob Wills Shines as Colonel Sanders at Jays Game

Sudbury actor Rob Wills made a memorable appearance at the Toronto Blue Jays’ Game 2 World Series matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers on October 21, 2023. Wills, known for his role as the rejuvenated Colonel Sanders in KFC commercials, donned the iconic white suit and goatee to promote the company’s KFC Zinger sandwich, rebranded as the “Dinger” for the event.

Wills’ presence at the game was part of a marketing campaign following a notable play by Blue Jays player George Springer, who hit a three-run homer dubbed “Springer’s Dinger” during a previous game. This clever play on words allowed KFC to creatively engage with fans and capitalize on the excitement surrounding the series. “We changed the name of our iconic KFC Zinger sandwich to the Dinger and sent the Colonel to Game 2 to hype that message,” said Azim Akhtar, interim chief marketing officer of KFC Canada, in a statement reported by the Toronto Star.

As Wills sat in the stands behind home plate, his appearance drew immediate media attention. Sporting the traditional Colonel Sanders attire, he maintained character throughout the game, even mimicking a slight Kentucky accent during a television interview. His six-foot stature and striking outfit made him a focal point for sports reporters and viewers alike.

In addition to the buzz generated by his presence, KFC offered fans a special promotion: whenever the Blue Jays hit a home run, fans could redeem a free Dinger sandwich through the KFC App with a minimum purchase of $1 the following day. Such initiatives reflect KFC’s strategy to integrate its marketing efforts with live sports events, enhancing brand visibility and customer engagement.

Reports from the Blue Jays Central website sparked speculation about Wills’ appearance being a light-hearted jab at some of the Dodgers’ Japanese players, referencing the “Curse of the Colonel,” a legend associated with the Hanshin Tigers baseball team of the 1980s. However, the primary purpose of Wills’ visit was goodwill marketing, as he expressed his enthusiasm for representing KFC once more and his eagerness for future engagements.

Wills’ role in this campaign highlights the intersection of entertainment and sports marketing, demonstrating how brands can leverage high-profile events to create memorable experiences for fans. As the Blue Jays faced defeat in Game 2, Wills’ appearance was undoubtedly a win for KFC, showcasing the power of creative marketing strategies in the world of sports.