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Chipotle Is Offering Free Food Today: How to Score the Deal

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/15 .. ering-free-food-today-how-to-score-the-deal.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 13:14 GMT by Today
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Chipotle Launches a College‑Football‑Themed BOGO Deal on September 15: A Quick‑Guide to the Offer

In a move that has generated a flurry of excitement among fans of both fast‑food and college football, Chipotle Mexican Grill has announced a special “Buy One, Get One Free” (BOGO) promotion that is available only on September 15. The deal is part of the chain’s latest “College Football Game Day” campaign and is tailored for students, alumni, and sports‑fans who are wearing their favorite team’s jersey. The promotion is a rare example of a brand combining its classic menu with a sports‑centric marketing strategy, and it’s generating buzz across social media, email newsletters, and the restaurant’s official website.

How the Promotion Works

What you’ll need:
- A valid Chipotle order (no minimum purchase is required, although the free item is automatically added to the bill).
- A physical or digital copy of a college football jersey (any school is acceptable, as long as it’s clearly identifiable as a football jersey).
- The promotion runs on a single day: September 15 (the exact time window is from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time).

What you’ll get:
- One free Chipotle meal of your choice—be it a burrito, bowl, tacos, or salad—valued at the regular menu price.
- No extra cost, no discount needed on your original purchase.

The article on Today.com (link: https://www.today.com/food/restaurants/free-chipotle-bogo-deal-college-football-jersey-sept-15-rcna231363) clarifies that the free item is automatically added to the cart as soon as the jersey is presented at the register. There is no “second order” needed; the promotion is a one‑click add‑on for eligible customers.

Eligibility and Restrictions

1. Only on September 15 – The promotion is a one‑day event, coinciding with a series of college football games that will take place that weekend. The chain specifically notes that the deal is available on the day of the Bowl Season kickoff, which has traditionally been a key marketing date for Chipotle.

2. Must be in-store – The promotion can’t be redeemed through delivery or pickup. Customers must physically appear in a Chipotle outlet and show their jersey to the cashier.

3. No minimum spend – Even a single order (e.g., a burrito or a bowl) qualifies for the free item. There is no requirement that the purchase must be above a certain dollar amount, which differentiates this promotion from some past Chipotle offers that required a minimum order.

4. No stacking with other discounts – The free meal cannot be combined with other Chipotle promo codes, loyalty program perks, or discount coupons. Customers must redeem the BOGO separately.

5. Digital jerseys are not accepted – The article explicitly states that a physical jersey is required. This is to avoid confusion about what constitutes a “jersey” and to keep the promotion simple for staff.

6. Only one free meal per customer – Each customer may claim only one free item per transaction. The policy is consistent with the chain’s standard BOGO practice.

What Makes This Deal Stand Out

Marketing Context
Chipotle has historically leaned heavily on its “food with a conscience” narrative, promoting sustainability, transparency, and local sourcing. This promotion, however, taps into a different vein—leveraging the emotional energy that surrounds college football. By offering a free meal to fans, Chipotle has created a cross‑promotional bridge that appeals to a younger demographic (the college‑age crowd) that is both a core audience for the brand and a passionate football community.

Social Media Buzz
A look at Chipotle’s official Twitter and Instagram feeds (see the links included in the Today.com article) shows that the brand has already started to tease the deal with a series of short videos that highlight fans sporting their jerseys. The TikTok hashtag #ChipotleBogoGameDay has begun trending among college students who share photos of their free meals, amplifying the promotion’s reach.

Historical Precedents
The article notes that Chipotle has experimented with similar BOGO offers before. For example, in 2019 the chain ran a “Free Burrito with a Friend” promotion that encouraged social sharing. By contrasting the new offer with past experiments, the article paints a picture of a brand willing to try new marketing strategies in order to stay relevant to a generation that is often skeptical of traditional advertising.

How to Make the Most of It

1. Plan Ahead – If you’re a college student, set a reminder in your phone for September 15 to make a quick stop at the nearest Chipotle.
2. Wear Your Jersey – Make sure the jersey is clearly visible and in good condition; a faded or torn jersey might not be accepted.
3. Bring Your Phone – Although the promotion is purely in‑store, you can use the Chipotle app to place your order ahead of time. The app will add the free meal automatically once you hit the in‑store QR code or scan the jersey.
4. Share Your Experience – Post a photo on Instagram or TikTok using the official hashtag to show off your free meal and increase your chances of being featured on Chipotle’s social channels.
5. Check the Rules – If you’re uncertain, ask a staff member for clarification; the Today.com article provides a quick FAQ that explains most common questions.

Final Thoughts

Chipotle’s September 15 BOGO deal represents a clever intersection of food marketing and sports fandom. By offering a free meal to anyone who wears a college football jersey, the chain has tapped into a vibrant, youthful community that loves both quick, customizable meals and spirited sporting events. The promotion’s limited time frame and simple execution—just show the jersey, order, and receive a free meal—make it an enticing opportunity for students and alumni alike.

For those who are excited about the offer, the article on Today.com provides all the essential details: how to participate, the eligibility criteria, and links to the official Chipotle promotion page (https://www.chipotle.com) for any last‑minute updates. Keep your jerseys handy, and you might just walk out of Chipotle on September 15 with two meals for the price of one.