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KNOXVILLE - As the NCAA Football season kicks off, excitement is in the air, and Aramark is here to bring that school pride to life like never before! This fall, with over two million fans expected to cheer on their teams at Aramark-served college football venues, we’re all about crafting those unforgettable game day vibes.
Picture this: you walk into the stadium, and it feels electric! From immersive fan environments decked out in your university's colors to refreshed concession branding that gets you hyped, every detail is designed to make you feel like part of the action.
But let’s talk food! We know no game day is complete without delicious eats and drinks, right? Aramark has whipped up a dynamic lineup of culinary offerings tailored specifically to each university. Whether you're craving classic stadium favorites or something fresh and exciting, we’ve got you covered. Think gourmet nachos, regional specialties, and even sweet treats that’ll keep you fueled up for the game.
And let’s not forget about hospitality! Aramark is focused on delivering premium experiences that elevate every moment of your game day—from the first bite to the last cheer. So grab your friends, wear your school colors with pride, and get ready to make some memories this football season with Aramark!
“We’re passionate about creating game day experiences that reflect the energy and pride of each campus,” said Alison Birdwell, President and CEO of Aramark Sports + Entertainment. “Through immersive environments, fan-favorite culinary offerings, and thoughtful hospitality, our goal is to make fans feel more connected to their teams and traditions.”
Leveraging deep expertise in stadium operations with its leadership in campus dining, Aramark creates seamless, high-impact experiences that resonate with fans, students, and athletes alike. From regional specialties to tech-driven service enhancements, Aramark is redefining the game day experience for millions of college fans.
“We pride ourselves on knowing campuses as well as they know themselves,” said Jack Donovan, President and CEO of Aramark Collegiate Hospitality. “We use our insights and experience to make sure that fans have a fantastic experience in both campus and stadium hospitality.”
Aramark’s flexible service model is built to fit each school’s unique needs, making it easy to deliver hospitality that feels right at home for every campus community. Both Aramark Sports + Entertainment and Collegiate Hospitality work in concert to deliver custom experiences that bring each NCAA program’s values and vision to life.
Branding in Action
Aramark is helping bring school pride to life through refreshed concession visuals, cohesive design updates, and immersive fan environments. This includes updates at:
University of Nebraska: In its inaugural season with Nebraska Athletics, Aramark has transformed all concession areas under the Huskers Hospitality platform. Fans can now enjoy a variety of Husker-themed food concepts, including 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 (Section 28); 402 Snacks (Section 601); and Cob Co. (Section 5).
Customized Culinary Concepts
From elevated favorites to regional specialties, Aramark is delivering bold flavors and concepts tailored to each campus and fans across the country.
University of Tennessee: Volunteers fans will see a lineup of Southern-inspired flavors this season. Good Ol’ Chicken Shack will serve up fried tenders and curly fries with local K-Town seasoning and paired with the new Knoxville Hot Sauce. At General’s Grillhouse, guests can indulge in Braised-Beef Philly Sandwiches with battered fries, including a special Southern-style version with pimento cheese. Neyland Mac ‘n More will offer mac & cheese with customizable add-ons like Conecuh Sausage or buffalo chicken. Rounding out the offerings, Smokey’s Dog House will dish out Rocky Top game day favorites.
• Arizona State University:
-- In its first year with Arizona State University, Aramark debuts new concepts like Sun Devil Burgers & Tenders (Sections 7, 29), Fan Fuel Nachos (Sections 10, 32), and Pitchfork Pizza (Sections 4, 26) that will offer easy access to top-selling menu items.
-- Game Day carts (Sections 3, 11, 25, 33) and Bar-S Sausages carts (Sections 8, 27, 29, 401) will offer opponent-inspired menu items, delivering a unique culinary atmosphere for every game – whether you’re a visiting or hometown fan.
East Carolina University: A new Eat, Drink, Taco concept will offer bold, craveable flavors in a fun, fan-friendly format.
Louisiana State University: Fans can dig into the Cajun Burger (throughout Tiger Stadium), stacked with pepperjack cheese, crispy chip crumbles, Louisiana hot sauce garlic mayo, and onion strings. For a true taste of the bayou, the Crawfish Queso (West Lower, Section 104 ) delivers a rich, Cajun-spiced dip loaded with crawfish tails and served with house-made chips, and the Jambalaya (throughout Tiger Stadium) will be served with rice, boneless chicken and pork sausage, slow-cooked over an open flame with signature seasoning. Ca c’est bon!
North Carolina State University: Signature items this season include the Smoked BBQ Brisket Sandwich, Footlong Corn Dogs and Chic-fil-A sandwiches, available throughout the concourse with cold beverages and select craft and specialty alcohol options.
Tulane University: A new Beignet Chicken Slider will be sold to tempt fans, along with Green Wave Hot Honey Chicken Loaded Fries, Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese, and Chef Dook’s Thai Chicken Wings.
University of Arizona: Fans can enjoy the new Bear Down Deals value menu with fan-friendly pricing on hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, small sodas, and bottled water. Specialty items this year include The Big Kahuna Burger, Hawaii 5-0 Pizza, and tropical frozen cocktails such as the Blue Hawaiian and Margaritas. (North Endone)
University of Delaware: A slate of new offerings will debut this fall including Rivalry Bites, a specialty-dish series inspired by the away team’s regional cuisine. A first-ever student designed Stadium Cup as part of the "Cockpit Cup Challenge," featuring the winning design from spring 2025 by University of Delaware student Vanessa Rack will also be featured.
University of Minnesota: Launching The Bee’s Knees sandwich with hot honey-infused Italian sausage. (Goldy's Grills, Section 131) Craft Standard batch cocktails include the Milagro Tequila Margarita and Tito’s Vodka Bloody Mary.
University of Nebraska: GBR Classics locations throughout the stadium will feature local, fan-favorites like Runza, Valentino’s Pizza, Wimmer’s Red Hot Dogs, and bratwurst along with collectible souvenir cups and buckets.
University of North Carolina: New treats include the Carolina Dream Souvenir Dirty Soda, Donut Ice Cream Sandwich (Stadium Scoops, Sections 103, 120) and Philly Steak Nachos with queso, peppers, onions, pico, jalapeños, and crema. (Section 109, 122)
University of Southern Mississippi: Debuting the Big Seymour Burger, featuring two beef patties, melted cheese, slow-cooked Southern-style pulled pork, and crispy fried onions on a brioche bun. (South End Zone and 1910 Southern BBQ)
University of Washington: Four new concepts can be found throughout Husky Stadium to elevate the game day experience. Introducing Loaded Mac & Cheese with house made toppings (Sections 127, 330), Monster Nacho loaded with pulled pork (Sections 101, 132, 327), Street Tacos (Sections119, 328) and the debut of the foot long hot dog at 110.
Virginia Tech: Blacksburger (Section 423) will make its debut and serve up cheeseburgers and Beyond Burgers® to meet a range of fan preferences.
Washington State University: Cougar fans can look forward to a trio of new offerings this season. Whole Hog BBQ Bowl, located on the East end, will feature in-house smoked meats. 509 Brat and Bun, available on both the East and South ends, will put a twist on classic dogs with options like the footlong and Frito Pie Dog. Also new to the South end, Coug Burger will serve up a rotating Carved Sandwich of the Game.
Modernizing Service Through Technology
Aramark continues to revolutionize the beverage and self-serve experience with the expansion of Walk Thru Bru locations across its collegiate portfolio. These technology-driven solutions streamline service, offering a faster, more convenient way to enjoy a wider variety of beverages.
• Arizona State University:
• Three Fan Fuel Beverage MKTs powered by Mashgin technology (Sections 16, 22, 306) will be added for seamless ordering. Three additional Fan Fuel Beverage MKTs (Sections 4, 9, 28) will debut using the same efficiency-driven, walk-through model with the use of cashiers.
• Several stands are also being upgraded to self-shop concepts with enhanced self-checkout Tapin2 technology and refreshed aesthetics to boost efficiency.
• Clemson University:
-- For the first time, beer will be sold at designated concession stands and kiosks in Clemson Memorial Stadium to fans 21+ with valid, government-issued ID. Tiger Markets return with four new Visiolabself-checkout units, now offering beer service. All purchases within the stadium will be 100% cashless starting this season.
-- To promote safe and responsible travel decisions, Clemson Athletics and the South Carolina Department of Public Safety are launching a designated driver program. Participants who register as designated drivers will receive a free non-alcoholic beverage at concession stands.
• Coastal Carolina University: Coastal Carolina is embracing self-serve beverage technology as part of a broader suite of game day enhancements with its launch of Walk Thru Bru locations throughout the stadium.
• University of Iowa: Three new Walk Thru Bru locations are being introduced this season, complementing a refreshed Fan Favs stand branded as Pete’s Black and Gold (Stand 3).
• University of Nebraska: For the first time in Memorial Stadium’s history, Aramark will introduce alcohol sales for fans 21+ with valid, government-issued ID. A full conversion to Aramark's Walk Thru Bru model – several of which feature Mashgin checkout technology – will deliver a modernized experience designed to enhance convenience for Husker fans.
• University of Washington: Aramark continues to revolutionize the beverage and self-serve experience with the expansion of Drink Market locations in Husky Stadium. These technology-driven solutions replace traditional beer portables and streamline service, offering fans a faster, more convenient way to enjoy a wider variety of beverages.
Premium Hospitality Highlights
From luxury suites to exclusive clubs, Aramark is redefining the premium game day experience with bold, chef-driven menus that blend high-quality ingredients, regional flair, and unforgettable memories. Highlights include:
• Arizona State University: Premium clubs will offer elevated fanfare and specialty beverages for each game, with a variety of collectible souvenir cups available for gameday keepsakes.
• Coastal Carolina University: Introducing Field Suites, a premium, field-level viewing experience featuring curated food and beverage service.
• Tulane University: Debuting this season, the Uptown Terrace at Yulman Stadium introduces new seating with semi-private loge boxes and drink rail seating. Fans will enjoy in-seat food and beverage service and maximum comfort with added legroom, shade umbrellas, personal ledge space, and more.
• Washington State University:
-- Now in its second year with Aramark, Washington State is enhancing the premium fan experience with standout menu items like a 32-ounce Tomahawk Steak Platter (available in suites); a Chicken and Waffle Sandwich with bacon, hot honey, and pickles; and a new Pretzel and Pop stand serving sweet and Bavarian pretzels (available at club-level concessions).
-- The club level has also been updated with new signage and the launch of Club Mobile Pick Up Ordering in American Grill for added convenience.
• University of Iowa: The debut of Burger District in the Ted Pacha Family Club brings a premium burger concept to the forefront, replacing a third-party vendor with a focus on quality, customization, and elevated service.
• University of Minnesota: Game Day Taco loaded with tenders and fries, Buffalo Tortellini, and Italian Nachos are available in clubs and suites.
• University of Tennessee: The Founders Suites level, featuring 11 brand-new, ultra-exclusive suites, offers a fully personalized experience, tailored to the individual preferences and desires of its Founders. The level includes a shared lounge with a bar, individual in-suite service, and rotating “Surprise and Delight” concepts. A newly constructed kitchen will support the enhanced culinary offerings, ensuring every detail reflects premium hospitality at its finest.
• University of Washington: Club level fans will be introduced to our specialty carved sandwiches, rotating by game and celebrating the Big 10. A new preorder menu is debuting for the patio suite fans, providing an extensive culinary experience upon their arrival.
Beyond the Stands: Fueling Athletes
Aramark’s impact will extend beyond the fan experience this season, supporting student-athletes at Arizona State University, East Carolina University, University of Delaware, University of Louisville, University of Virginia, University of Tennessee, Clemson University, Auburn University, and more with performance-focused dining programs and world-class facilities that aid in training, recovery, and competition.
Whether it’s football or everyday campus life Aramark has set out to deliver a seamless hospitality experience by coordinating the expertise and scale across its businesses. This teamwork ensures that every touchpoint – from game day experiences and student-athlete support to campus dining, convenience and retail offerings, catering, refreshments solutions, and facilities services – reflects a shared commitment to excellence. It’s all part of a coordinated effort to create unforgettable experiences and elevate the college experience from every angle.
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