1989 Pro Set Totino's Pizza Packs

1989 Pro Set Totino's Pizza Packs

 

 



Updated December 18, 2014

 

Description:  The accepted theory is that Pro Set made an agreement with Totino's to include a pack of cards in their Party Pizza products.  The clear cellophane packs contained five random cards from Series I and/or II and had 'Totino's Party Pizza' printed in red on the front. 

Stadium Instant Win Game Piece:  What makes these packs special to us collectors is they include a scratch off card.  Pro Set sponsored a contest and the grand prize was a trip to the 1990 Pro Bowl.  You could also win a complete edition of 1989 Pro Set Trading Cards.

I do not have the heart to open any of my packs to scan the back of the scratch off card.  I did, however, slide one up to read some of the text.  It states that up to 60,000 sample packs were to be given away at select NFL games.  They would contain a 'Stadium Instant Win Game Piece' in each.  Could the packs have been created solely as a stadium giveaway with Totino's as the sponsor, and not Party Pizza inserts?

Rarity:  When I first discovered the existence of these packs, I presumed they were extremely rare.  After searching trading card, auction and other websites trying to find more, I came up empty.  Four years later, I have seen about 10 packs come up for sale.  So, the 60,000 packs per stadium figure troubles me.  Maybe they do not show up for sale because they are not rare?  I struggle with this question on many Pro Set cards.  Getting it wrong means loss of time, money, cards, etc..  My personal opinion to date, though, is they are very rare!  In 1989, I would have opened the pack to try and win a free trip to the Pro Bowl!!

Furthermore:  All the cards found in these packs can be considered promos!  As long as they reside sealed in the pack, it proves they were used for promotion.  Once opened, there is no way to distinguish them from retail cards.  Imagine!  The whole base set should have a promo counterpart!

Notes:  If I have made a mistake or omitted some information, please email me at 1990proset dot gmail dot com.