Game Day Grub

Game day. It’s not just about the action on the field; it’s about the experience, the camaraderie, and the food. For caterers, game day presents a golden opportunity to shine, transforming traditional tailgate and couch snacks into gourmet delights that leave fans cheering for more. 

“Food is an integral part of the [game day] experience, and we challenge our chefs and team members to create exciting, signature food items that put a twist on a hometown favorite,” said Ken Gaber (OVG Hospitality) in a press release. 

The MVPs of a game day menu are similar from year to year—finger foods like wings, nachos, hot dogs, sliders, and fries reign supreme. 

“The old standards never go out of style,” says Jimmy Petracci  (Proof of the Pudding). “We are hearing from our clients and guests that simple food, executed well consistently, is more important than ever.” 

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

However, today’s diners are also craving twists on these classics.  

“There is always room for our chefs to take basic game day items to the next level,” says Petracci. “The foundation of game day fare gives chefs a great jumping-off point to add their own touches. Whether it’s elevating a tired nacho plate to a brisket burnt-end nacho bar or creating custom chef’s tables around a game day favorite concept, the sky is the limit.” 

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

Let’s look at how your game day foods can make a play for the big leagues. 

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.” 

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 a taste of the city they’re in and a unique dining experience, but local fans love to see their city represented, too.”

Knock it out of the park 

Now, game day foods may not scream elevated cuisine, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to elevate these fan favorites to new heights. 

“It’s about blending the classic and the modern,” said Michael Stavros
(M Culinary Concepts) during a session at Catersource + The Special Event 2024. “Concessions are not just a ‘craptacular’ hot dog or a ‘craptacular’ burger on a ‘craptacular’ bun anymore—everyone wants a little bit better and they’re willing to pay. The customer is demanding it because they want the elevated experience.” 

Cubano sausage dogs were served during the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2021. Photo courtesy Sodexo Live

First, consider your ingredients. Gourmet toppings like caviar (click here for a deeper look at caviar) and burrata can step potato skins up a notch (recipe below); try homemade pizzas with prosciutto or truffle oil, or more upscale dips and sides such as guacamole with fresh mango or deviled eggs made into a creamy shrimp dip topped with fish roe. For example, if the guests would like an elevated hot dog, why not serve a footlong Wagyu beef dog with caviar mustard and black truffle shavings? Or how about lobster nachos with white cheddar queso, avocado crema, and microgreens?

You could also incorporate international flavors into your game-day fare, such as Korean barbecue wings with gochujang sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and green onion; Mediterranean dishes like Greek yogurt marinated chicken skewers, and a whipped feta dip; or Vietnamese street-style fries. 

Making mini or bite-sized versions of favorites is another great option for elevating game day fare, especially if it's for an event outside of the sports world (click here for a look at an event that took place on a football field). Nacho bars (with cheese on drafts) are also consistent crowd-pleasers.

“The game day theme works across the board through chef action stations and themed menus,” says Petracci. “We have done weddings at sporting facilities that have featured food items from the bride and groom’s favorite stadium and team.”

“Game day foods are comfort foods, so they are a perfect choice for the ‘after party’,” adds Andrea Correale (Elegant Affairs).

Elevating game day food isn’t just about the flavors; it’s also about the presentation. Consider using elegant platters, tiered stands, and individual servings to add a touch of class. Small details like garnishes, artisanal bread baskets, and decorative table setups can transform a simple snack table (check out our article for an exploration of the snacking lifestyle) into a gourmet experience. Presentation enhances the game day experience by increasing appetite, improving perceived food quality, and encouraging social sharing. Paying attention to presentation can also ensure convenience, reinforce themes, and complement the festive atmosphere.

“Presentation is always important. It’s the presentation that separates the home spread from the catered spread,” says Correale. 

“Especially when the meal you present isn’t just for the eyes in the stadium—it can be for millions of people to see at home via social media, too,” adds Kraus. 

By infusing gourmet elements into classic game day favorites, you can transform a casual gathering into a memorable culinary event. So, gear up, get creative, and let your game day menu score big with fans.

“The desired fan experience is evolving, and we evolve with it,” says Kraus