Despite wild rumors that the chain was closing earlier this year, Chipotle is doing fantastic—and is even launching a new promotion that rewards fans of the Mexican grill restaurant during the men’s 2025 NBA championships.
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It’s a playful response to the lengthy replays that pause play during the basketball games when everyone just wants to move the action forward. During any Coach’s Challenge (a review of the game footage to protest an official’s call of a foul, violation or interference), Chipotle will in turn challenge fans to find a hidden keyword on X (formerly, Twitter) for the chance to win a free entrée. The promotion is called "Chipotle Instant Replays".
How do people check X for the keyword?
Look at the @chipotletweets account to see the most recent post whenever live broadcast NBA play is paused.
How do you find the keyword?
It’ll be hidden somewhere in the post, so you’ll have to use your best detective skills!
So you found it—what now?
Text the keyword to 888222, and if you’re one of the first 5,000 to do so, you’ll win a free Chipotle entrée.
If you win, how do you get your entrée?
You will receive a text code for the free entrée, which is valid for five days, so clear room in your schedule for your Chipotle visit. You do have to be at least 13 years old to participate, and standard text and data rates may apply. More fine print stuff can be found here: chipotle.com/free-play.
How many chances are there to win?
It all depends on how contentious the game is! If a team challenges an official’s call and their challenge fails, the team loses a timeout and can’t challenge again for the rest of the game. However, if the challenge is successful, the team is awarded a second opportunity to trigger an official review. Chipotle is prepared to post up to four times per game, so while supplies last and the challenges keep coming, you can possibly win.
Are the challenges a good thing?
Well, depends which team is challenging which call. But Chipotle recognizes that the challenges, and the wait time to watch the replays, can be frustrating, so this promotion is a fun way to make that time pass.
Is this an official partnership between Chipotle and the NBA?
Nope, it’s all just Chipotle having fun!