New Food Options at Gopher Football Home Games in 2025

Going to a sporting even in 2025 is as much about the quality of the product on the field as it is that off of it. For years under Tim Brewster and Jerry Kill, the Minnesota Gophers product wasn’t good on the field. P.J. Fleck has continued to right that ship. Aramak Sports + Entertainment general manager Chris Vokracka has consistently raised the bar off of it.

Huntington Bank Stadium is a gorgeous place to watch college football. It also boasts the best food and beverage offerings of any sports venue in the Twin Cities.

Hosting their annual media tasting day, the Gophers and Vokracka brought it again. Fans should be excited when searching for options throughout the concourse this season.

A venture into something new

I wouldn’t describe myself as a foodie by any means, but I have become much more adventurous and willing to try new things in recent years. Nothing about pastrami is something I’d shy away from, I’ve just never had it. That changed on Friday when I doubled life experience with the new Pastrami Dog and MN Hot Pastrami Sandwich.

Despite being a fan of hot dogs, it was actually the sandwich that ranked better for me. The deli mustard and harvarti dill cheese were great complements. I don’t believe I’ve had rye bread before (yes, again, I’m aware), but that was a nice flavor boost as well.

The hot dog was good, but I typically don’t venture too far beyond traditional condiments. Pastrami on top was fine, and I’m a mustard fan. Miss me with the sauerkraut though.

Bring on the meats

If you’re a carnivore, there’s plenty of the new offerings that you’ll find to your liking. The Bee’s Knees is an italian sausage sandwich served on a baguette. The sausage is infused with hot honey, and the spicy beer cheese goes great with it as well.

There’s the Short Rib Roll, which is actually served on toasted milk bread. Typically I’m not a coleslaw fan, but the housemade version to top this sandwich off was really nicely done.

I have never met a grilled cheese sandwich I didn’t like, and the adult versions are that much better. The Jalapeno Popper Brisket Grilled Cheese is what I started off with, and it’s a win. Brisket bacon, cheddar and pepper jack, and cream cheese all come together on the toasted milk bread to form a perfect combination.

There’s also a new Cheeseburger Poutine which is bedded atop crispy tater tots rather than deep fried cheese curds. The curds are mixed in without batter, and I enjoyed the tangy burger sauce. A Pork Cubano has been added and is every bit as good as the typical Cuban sandwiches you have previously tried.

I prefer most meats of turkey, but I do have to give Vokracka and the Gophers credit for the presentation on the Turkey Leg. Nothing presents a better image than a Gopher fan with a beer in one hand and meaty turkey leg in the other while watching the destruction of Wisconsin unfold.

And the winner is…

Like any carbohydrate-loving human being, pasta is my North Star. The Buffalo and Italian Tortellini hit like an Anthony Smith sack from the blindside. Deep fried with either buffalo sauce or marinara and then garnish with straightforward accompaniments, they are simple and perfect.

Not to be outdone, and again not shockingly with this palette, the Pizza Mac & Cheese was a win. I’ve tried multiple different types of macaroni and cheese, but never considered putting a pizza spin on it. The ribbed pepperoni is the perfect touch of flavor, and tossing in that hot honey Italian sausage was a good choice as well.

See it to believe it

It’s not quite the Land of 10,000 Calories, but you’ll definitely need additional mouths to help you eat the Giant Touchdown Taco. This thing definitely dwarfs the size of a regulation football, and it’s complete with chicken tenders, french fries, lettuce, cheese, pico de gallo, and spicy ranch. The side of chips and salsa is a good touch as well.

At $28.99 this may be the best value at any stadium across the country. It will be served in Club Cambria and is definitely something that is intended to be shared. I’d guess the Gophers won’t be inviting Joey Chestnut to scarf this thing down because he’d probably complete it in five minutes or less.

Sorry I missed dessert

I can do without sweets for the most part. I’m more of a savory foods kind of eater. Different boxes of candies littered the presentation and there was a whole table decked out in cakes and pastries as well. If you have a sweet tooth, the Gophers have you covered.

The new signature item is dubbed The Gopher Tail. A waffled croissant is topped with vanilla ice cream, chocolate, caramel, and chocolate chips. Eat your heart out.

Feeling more than full, and plenty ready for a nap, it was time to head out. The Gophers welcome everyone back on Thursday night for their regular season opener against the Buffalo Bulls.

Whether coming for the game, or just being there for the fun, there’s plenty of new food to keep you company along the way.