Tailgating is a well-loved tradition. Celebrate the big game with a delicious cheese ball, featuring creamy gouda cheese and candied bacon in every bite. Photo courtesy Wisconsin Cheese Play ball While football may by far be the
sport that people entertain around the most, serving classics such as chicken wings, chili, nachos, and sliders, it’s not the only sport that brings with it a slew of game day favorites. Can you imagine watching a baseball game without hot dogs, peanuts, soft pretzels, and a box of Cracker Jacks ® ? Although not necessarily considered a “foodie” sport, soccer fans often reach for popular tried- and-true favorites such as pizza, empanadas, churros, or tapas; and don’t forget about hockey foods such as poutine, buffalo wings, and beef chili. "There is also an opportunity to highlight the changing seasons through creative menus as the sports seasons progress through the year,” says Petracci. “Football is all about hearty foods to keep you warm in the fall and early winter, and as we progress into spring basketball and baseball seasons, we start to serve lighter fare to fit with the warming weather.”
This buffet setup is offered in the Broadway Club hospitality suite during Auburn University sporting events and features cheese and charcuterie, the market salad, a shrimp cocktail, coleslaw, Chef Carved Prime Auburn Meat Lab Smoked Brisket, mac and cheese, and smoked chicken wings. Photo courtesy Proof of the Pudding
Cheer for the home team Whether it’s concessions, a watch party, or even a themed event, game day foods are the perfect vessel to deliver a little bit of local flare. Put a twist on game day food by celebrating themes and local cuisines from the city or team being celebrated. Think: Philly Cheesesteak- style hot dogs, Chicago-style pizza bites, Nashville Hot Chicken wings, or how about sliders served on San
Francisco sourdough buns? “Focusing on local can certainly elevate a dish,” says Bruce Kraus (Sodexo Live! New Orleans). “Are there local ingredients? Is the dish cooked in a style that’s popular regionally? Are we partnering with a local company to bring the dish to life? There are lots of ways you can look to elevate a dish but focusing on the small details and finding ways to make the dish connect with fans is just one example. Not only do you want to give visiting fans
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