Back in February, Nebraska Athletics made a switch with their concessions provider, signing a new contract with Aramark Sports and Entertainment, ending a longstanding partnership with Premier Catering. Some items have been available to fans at preseason volleyball and soccer games, alongside the Big Red kickoff.
Aramark rolled out some of their new feature items to members of the media. Here are my highlights.
Added diversity of items
Adding to the regular concessions items that one was used to consuming at a Husker athletic event, there are plenty of expanded options for the upcoming year. In Sections 32 and 34, the Cornhuskers Crunch Nachos section has new options, while chicken tenders baskets are available at the Chick N Coop stand at Section 17. Other food items new to Husker athletic events include Reuben sandwiches, BBQ Mac n cheese, tacos, and corn on the cob.
The full list of food concepts:
- Blackshirt BBQ (Sections 7, 16, 26, 38)
- Tunnel Walk Tacos (Sections 2, 34, 339, 604)
- Herbies Burger Co (Sections 23, 39)
- Chick N Coop (Section 17)
- Cornhuskers Crunch Nachos (Sections 32, 34)
- 1923 Cheesesteak (Sections 28)
- 402 Snacks (Section 601)
- Cob Co. (Section 5)
Nachos served in a box with a cardboard cutout of Memorial Stadium is one of the enhanced packaging options. / Alex Hammeke
Enhanced Packaging
While the options have expanded for Husker games, the packaging has improved as well, and could be enticing enough for some fans to want to take home as a souvenir. The Nachos served at the Cornhuskers Crunch Nachos stand (Sections 32, 34) come in a cardboard box with cutouts printed like Memorial Stadium, and the Burgers served at Herbies Burger Co (Sections 23, 39) come in a box shaped like a Nebraska hat.
While the traditional Fairbury Red Hot Dog will be available for fans this fall, there’s also a new footlong Fairbury option. / Alex Hammeke
Classics are back
When the concessions switch was announced, there was some concern amongst fans that items native to Memorial Stadium, such as the Runza, Fairbury Red Hot Dogs, and Valentino’s Pizza would disappear. During the event, Aramark officials reassured the media that these items are staying, and will be available around the stadium with the “GBR Classics” stands around the stadium. These items have been staples around Nebraska Volleyball and Soccer matches so far this season, alongside some select concessions items specific to stadiums.
One of the classic options will also have a revamped option. There will be a footlong Fairbury Red Hot Dog topped with corn dip available at some concession stands.
Beer and Alcoholic options at Memorial Stadium this fall. / Alex Hammeke
Local beer options
Fear not for Husker fans who enjoy to drink local options. Alongside Zipline’s Dear Ol’ Nebraska Brew, Nebraska Athletics and Kros Strain Brewing announced Cornhusker Crusher as the official craft beer of the Huskers.
Other beer options include Bud Light, Coors Light, Modelo, Micelob Ultra, Miller Lite and Busch Light. High Noon and Nütrl seltzers are some of the non-beer alcoholic selections available as well.
And there will be no shortage of ice cold beer on gameday, as there will be over 120,000 cans of beer ready for every gameday.
Responsible Drinking
When the Huskers announced that alcohol sales would be introduced at Memorial Stadium, Troy Dannen said that allowing alcohol inside the stadium could reduce “dangerous drinking habits”, and answers were provided. Alongside the previously announced no re-entry policy, the Huskers and Aramark will stop alcohol sales at the end of the third quarter, only allow two alcoholic beverages to be bought per transaction, and strict ID checking.
Additionally, Aramark, Nebraska Athletics, and UNL Campus Recreation will implement a designated driver program at the east and west concourse guest service locations.
The Chili Cinnamon Roll cone is a specialty item at Husker games this fall. / Alex Hammeke
The Chili cinnamon roll cone
One specialty item that fans can find is the chili cinnamon roll cone. Based on the Midwest tradition of the chili and cinnamon rolls, the cinnamon donut cone is filled with chili and topped with cheese and other toppings to boot. This is a high-risk, high reward item that I hope pays off for Aramark.
