Arena Food?

[FireFly]

This is a question for all the hockey parents/grandparents/fans of minor hockey out there...


What kinds of food do you usually buy for yourselves or your kids at hockey arenas? What kinds of food would you like to see at hockey arenas?

[troutman]

I'm fond of some arena hot dogs.


The Springbank Arena has a little fast food place with a big menu. Not the sports lounge upstairs, but the concession by the curling rinks. Springbank Park Concession - 403-993-4409

[Amethyst]

Something easy to hold and eat that isn't deep fried would be awesome!

[Buff]

My wife is awesome. She plans ahead and has chicken sandwiches or wraps ready to bring along. If arenas sold more healthy options then maybe we would consider it, but you can be sure that the pricing would be ridiculous.

[surferguy]

I don't care as long as it comes with the small red two prong fork.

[topfiverecords]

Originally Posted by troutman

I'm fond of some arena hot dogs.


The Springbank Arena has a little fast food place with a big menu. Not the sports lounge upstairs, but the concession by the curling rinks. Springbank Park Concession - 403-993-4409

Should we be calling that number?

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by FireFly

This is a question for all the hockey parents/grandparents/fans of minor hockey out there...


What kinds of food do you usually buy for yourselves or your kids at hockey arenas? What kinds of food would you like to see at hockey arenas?

There is no go to, each arena is different.

Generally you get the same old fried crap, fries, chicken fingers, etc. Often a burger is a good bet.

Sometimes you find a hidden gem.

The concession in Ponoka is great.


https://www.ponokanews.com/community...-for-business/


They even have a facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/eatintimeoutzone/

[RM14]

"The Barn" the pub upstairs at West Hillhurst is pretty good.

http://www.thebarn.pub/menu/

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by RM14

"The Barn" the pub upstairs at West Hillhurst is pretty good.

http://www.thebarn.pub/menu/

Yes, good call.

[Weitz]

I love the pizza at the Flames community arena pub that is upstairs. Can't comment on the other food though.

[FireFly]

Thank you for the input! However, I am talking strictly concession, not pub or lounge fare.



What I'm seeing is that most people want something a little bit unique, but also some of the standard stuff? My brother advised me that gravy is important as it goes on everything. Lol.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by FireFly

Thank you for the input! However, I am talking strictly concession, not pub or lounge fare.



What I'm seeing is that most people want something a little bit unique, but also some of the standard stuff? My brother advised me that gravy is important as it goes on everything. Lol.

That's what makes Ponoka unique in my opinion it is a concession.

I would always as the parents from the home team what was good at their concessions when in town.

[FireFly]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

That's what makes Ponoka unique in my opinion it is a concession.

I would always as the parents from the home team what was good at their concessions when in town.

Unfortunately, I don't think we'll have the ability to do something quite so unique as Ponoka as I don't think any of the staff that work our concession have the skills to do much more than standard fare, although I will ask before the season starts.



What I am hoping to do is upgrade the standard fare to something a little bit different and unique. For example, offering a pizza or nacho version of the hot dog, choice of wrap style, (ham, bacon, chicken or taco), etc.



I'm really hoping that the suppliers we use have the nacho cheese the dome carries as it's my favourite.

[Northendzone]

the problem is that not all concessions at areas are open. some arenas have better selections/more variety than others.

i guess i pull up to the concession at a rink knowing that getting a salad likely is not an option and i will be forced to eat delicious arena fries, chicken fingers or possibly perogies.

based on the rinks my son has played at max bell has good food, as does NESS/Don Hartman (more extensive menu), Flames Community and ECTAS.

Many of the other rinks in town may have concession booths; however, they are not open, or have a very limited menu

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by FireFly

Unfortunately, I don't think we'll have the ability to do something quite so unique as Ponoka as I don't think any of the staff that work our concession have the skills to do much more than standard fare, although I will ask before the season starts.



What I am hoping to do is upgrade the standard fare to something a little bit different and unique. For example, offering a pizza or nacho version of the hot dog, choice of wrap style, (ham, bacon, chicken or taco), etc.



I'm really hoping that the suppliers we use have the nacho cheese the dome carries as it's my favourite.

Pulled Pork is easy in a slow cooker, as is chili (bonus is you can chuck it on a dawg).

[Lubicon]

WinSport has the best food hands down but it's not really a valid comparison since they are a full blown cafeteria plus cater to a generally more health conscious crowd. Still, if you are looking for ideas then I'd suggest checking them out.

My arena days are over and we really never got into the whole concession thing since most arena's we played at did not seem to have any. However my one suggestion is to consider having at least some healthy choices for parents, especially if they are purchasing for kids. Of course a lot will depend on cost and ease of making/keeping but some ideas would be things like smoothies (ideally fruit), yogurt and granola etc. (good for mornings).

[FireFly]

Originally Posted by Lubicon

WinSport has the best food hands down but it's not really a valid comparison since they are a full blown cafeteria plus cater to a generally more health conscious crowd. Still, if you are looking for ideas then I'd suggest checking them out.

My arena days are over and we really never got into the whole concession thing since most arena's we played at did not seem to have any. However my one suggestion is to consider having at least some healthy choices for parents, especially if they are purchasing for kids. Of course a lot will depend on cost and ease of making/keeping but some ideas would be things like smoothies (ideally fruit), yogurt and granola etc. (good for mornings).

I like the yogurt and granola ideas, perhaps even some fresh fruit. It seems that they've tried more healthy options in the past and end up throwing out a lot of fresh goods that go bad so I hesitate to go too far in that direction.

[Tron_fdc]

Poutine!

Everyone loves poutine. Plus you can charge ridiculous amounts of money for it!!

Same with a hot dog/water combo. $5 for a dog and a water. Have some squeeze cheese and bacon bits in there and you're golden.

[Amethyst]

Originally Posted by FireFly

I like the yogurt and granola ideas, perhaps even some fresh fruit. It seems that they've tried more healthy options in the past and end up throwing out a lot of fresh goods that go bad so I hesitate to go too far in that direction.

Yeah, I wouldn't go too far with that, but it would be nice to have a bit for a change. Something like yogurt and granola would probably last longer than fruit. Maybe some veggies and dip or cheese cubes or strings for someone who wants to avoid burgers and chicken fingers occasionally.

Love the pulled pork idea!!

[Northendzone]

i forgot about winsport, where they take a $5 burger and charge you $9.50.

that is one arena i dislike having to go to. parking is usually terrible, food is overpriced. everything else is really nice though.