Pizza Hut is returning as the Official Pizza of NCAA March Madness—a tournament filled with happiness and heartbreak, nail-biters, and epic comebacks. This year, Pizza Hut is feeding into fans’ excitement by launching the ultimate comeback: 17 years after its debut, the cult-favorite P’ZONE is back, returning to Pizza Hut menus nationwide.

Sealed inside a toasted parmesan pizza crust, the P’ZONE is filled with savory pizza toppings and melted cheese, baked calzone style and served with marinara dipping sauce. A perfect addition to any March Madness watch party, customers can choose from Pepperoni, Meaty, and Supremo recipes.

“March Madness is one of the most captivating sports moments of the year,” says Marianne Radley, chief brand officer, Pizza Hut. “We are excited to bring back the P’ZONE as part of our $5 Line-up during a time when family and friends will be gathering in anticipation and excitement. Even if your team doesn’t advance in the tournament, the comeback of the P’ZONE is something we know all fans can rally around.”

In addition to the P’ZONE’s much-anticipated return, Pizza Hut will be fueling fans’ passion at home with new TV commercials that feature the rollercoaster of emotions synonymous with fans’ experiences throughout the tournament. The ads include some of the most famous March Madness reaction memes from recent years like the “What Just Happened Wail” featuring John Phillips, a die-hard Northwestern fan and viral sensation from the 2017 NCAA Tournament.

In addition to new creative, Pizza Hut is leveraging its ongoing partnership with the NCAA to further support its commitment to literacy through its iconic BOOK IT! Program and Pizza Hut: The Literacy Project, which is the brand’s global commitment to impacting 100 million lives by enabling access to books and educational resources, empowering teachers and inspiring readers. Phillips—who hails from a family of BOOK IT! alums, shares a commitment with Pizza Hut to education and literacy. In partnership with Phillips, to help provide equal access to books and educational resources, Pizza Hut is donating $20,000 to its national partner, First Book, a nonprofit social enterprise that provides equal access to quality education for kids in need. 

The P’ZONE is available on its own or you can get the Pepperoni P’ZONE as part of the $5 Lineup at Pizza Hut locations across the country for delivery, carryout, or dine-in. 

Menu Innovations, News, Pizza, Pizza Hut