Taco Bell’s “Steal a Base, Steal a Taco” promotion is a recurring marketing initiative that rewards consumers with free food during Major League Baseball’s World Series. The program triggers a complimentary Doritos Locos Taco for U.S. consumers when a player steals a base in specific games of the championship series. Over the years, the promotion has evolved in terms of redemption windows, participation requirements, and the specific games that activate the offer. The following guide details the mechanics, eligibility criteria, and redemption procedures based on official information and verified reports from previous iterations of the campaign.
Promotion Mechanics and Triggers
The core mechanic of the “Steal a Base, Steal a Taco” promotion is simple: if a player steals a base during a designated game of the World Series, Taco Bell activates a free taco giveaway for all participating consumers. The specific game that triggers the offer has varied across different years of the promotion.
In 2018, the trigger was the first stolen base occurring in Game 1 or Game 2 of the World Series. If a base was stolen during either of those games, the free taco giveaway was scheduled for November 1. In 2019, the promotion applied to stolen bases by any player for either team during any game of the World Series. The activation date for the free taco in 2019 was October 30. For the 2020 World Series, the trigger was a stolen base in Game 1, which resulted in a giveaway date of October 28. In 2022, a stolen base in Game 1 by Phillies outfielder Kyle Schwarber activated the promotion, with redemption available through November 6.
The promotion has been offered for 11 consecutive years, highlighting its status as an established annual event. The stolen base that triggers the giveaway is often commemorated; for example, the base stolen during the 2020 World Series was sent to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York.
Redemption Windows and Timeframes
Once the promotion is triggered, consumers have a specific window to claim their free taco. This window typically ranges from a single day to a multi-day period.
- Single-Day Redemptions: In 2018, the free taco was available on November 1 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. In 2019, the free taco was available from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at restaurants nationwide, with an option to claim at any time through the website or mobile app. The 2020 giveaway was active all day on October 28, from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM local time.
- Multi-Day Redemptions: The 2022 promotion allowed for a longer redemption period. Following the stolen base in Game 1, consumers could redeem a free Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Taco anytime during the 10-day period following the game, through November 6.
Consumers are advised to check the specific redemption dates announced by Taco Bell immediately following the triggering game, as these can vary by year.
Eligibility and Participation Requirements
Participation in the “Steal a Base, Steal a Taco” promotion is generally open to residents of the United States. However, the requirements for redeeming the free taco have become more structured over time.
- Geographic Restrictions: The promotion is open to residents of all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
- Purchase Requirements: A key feature of the promotion is that no purchase is necessary to claim the free taco. Consumers can walk into a participating Taco Bell location and receive the item without making any additional purchase.
- Account Requirements: In earlier years, no account was required. However, more recent iterations of the promotion have integrated Taco Bell’s loyalty program. In 2020, consumers needed to be registered members of Taco Bell’s Rewards Program to claim the free taco. In 2022, consumers were required to be signed up as Taco Bell Rewards members and order through the app to redeem the deal.
- Limits: There is a strict limit of one free taco per person or registered account. The offer excludes premium versions of the taco, such as the Doritos Locos Tacos Supreme.
How to Redeem the Free Taco
Redemption methods have expanded to include in-store, online, and app-based options, offering flexibility to consumers.
- In-Store: Consumers can visit a participating Taco Bell location during the redemption window and request the free taco. No purchase is necessary.
- Online and Mobile App: Taco Bell has increasingly pushed redemption through its digital channels. In 2018, website and app users could redeem the free taco online on November 1. In 2019, consumers could claim the free taco at any time through the website or mobile app. In 2020, the free taco was available through the app. In 2022, redemption was exclusively through the app for Rewards members.
- Pick-Up and Delivery: When ordering through the website or mobile app, consumers can opt for pick-up with no additional fee. The standard delivery fee may apply if delivery is selected.
Historical Context and Notable Triggers
The “Steal a Base, Steal a Taco” promotion has a history of being triggered by notable players and moments in World Series history.
- 2018: The promotion was triggered during Game 1 or Game 2. Boston was noted as third in the league in stolen bases during the 2018 MLB season with 125, and Milwaukee was fourth with 124.
- 2019: The promotion was activated by a stolen base in Game 1. The specific player was not identified in the source data, but the activation date was October 30.
- 2020: Los Angeles Dodgers player Mookie Betts stole second base in the fifth inning of Game 1 against the Tampa Bay Rays, triggering the promotion. Betts was also the first player to steal a base during the 2018 World Series. The free taco was available on October 28.
- 2022: Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Kyle Schwarber stole a base in the seventh inning of Game 1 against the Houston Astros, activating the promotion. The free taco was available through November 6. Additionally, consumers who correctly identified Schwarber as the player who would steal the base were eligible for a free medium fountain drink via the app.
Additional Promotions and Offers
Taco Bell often pairs the “Steal a Base, Steal a Taco” promotion with other offers during the World Series period.
- New Customer Discounts: In 2018, Taco Bell offered first-time app and online order customers 20 percent off an order, up to $10 off, with the coupon expiring two weeks after signing up.
- Trivia and Prediction Games: In 2022, consumers who correctly predicted which player would steal the base received a bonus reward of a free medium fountain drink.
- Merchandise: Taco Bell has offered limited-edition merchandise related to the promotion, including caps and trading cards featuring the “Taco Hero” (the player who steals the base).
Conclusion
Taco Bell’s “Steal a Base, Steal a Taco” promotion is a long-running, no-purchase-necessary giveaway that rewards U.S. consumers with a free Doritos Locos Taco when a player steals a base during the World Series. The promotion has evolved to require a Taco Bell Rewards account and app-based redemption in recent years. Redemption windows vary from single-day to multi-day periods, and the specific game that triggers the offer can change annually. Consumers interested in participating should monitor official Taco Bell announcements during the World Series for specific redemption dates and requirements.