Big 12 Eats returns to UCF football games with opponent-inspired dishes: See the menu
ORLANDO, Fla. - UCF football is back – and so is the return of Big 12 Eats, the fan-favorite food tradition that brings a taste of each opponent right to the Bounce House. As the Knights enter their second season in the Big 12 Conference, fans can once again indulge in a menu inspired by the visiting team at every home game this fall.
"We want to make our experience (off the field) equate to what is going to be on the field," UCF Associate Athletics Director of Brand Experience Alex Cesarano told FOX 35 News ahead of the Big 12 Eats debut. "We're just trying to give our fans and the teams coming in a taste."
UCF revved up for 2024 season opener on Thursday: 'Football is back'
The idea was sparked at the Big 12 Basketball Conference a couple of years ago, where each team had a featured menu item that reminded them most of home. Then, the Knights went to work.
"Just trying to find a little something that best represents each of these places," Cesarano said. "Like most fans, I think learning about each of these new schools coming in is important."
Each week, a menu item corresponding to the visiting opponent will be available for purchase at Knight Nation Grill (near Section 129) or inside the Stadium Club premium seating area.
UCF Athletics shared the 2024 Big 12 Eats menu with FOX 35 this week. Here's the full lineup:
- New Hampshire (Aug. 29): Wild Turkey Drumsticks
- Sam Houston (Sept. 7): Cowboy Caviar (mixed beans, diced tomatoes, diced onions, chopped cilantro, pickled jalapeños, served with tortilla chips)
- Colorado (Sept. 28): Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Cincinnati (Oct. 12): Cheese Coney (Chili Cheese Hot Dog)
- BYU (Oct. 26): Maple Bacon Doughnut or Maple Bacon Doughnut Burger
- Arizona (Nov. 2): Desert Dog (bacon-wrapped hot dog with tomato, onion, pinto beans, jalapeños and mayonnaise) [photo coming soon]
- Utah (Nov. 29): Pastrami Burger
Story continues below photo gallery
More new food and drinks at FBC Mortgage Stadium in 2024
UCF Athletics recently released a list of what's new at FBC Mortgage Stadium for the 2024 season, including new food and drink items.
Here's a rundown:
- Lobster Roll (Knight Nation Grill, Stadium Club)
- Double Patty Burgers (Knight Nation Grill, Stadium Club)
- Chicken, beef and cheese empanadas (Orlando Eats)
- Citronaut Drink (Gates 5, 14)
- Non-alcoholic Citronaut Drink (Gates 9, 14)
New at concession stands:
- Zebra cakes
- Takis
- Margarita squeeze pouches (All grab-and-go locations)
- Buzz Balls
UCF's $88M football stadium expansion project gets final approval from state
UCF's $88 million football stadium expansion project got its final approval on Friday.
New in premium seating areas:
- More top shelf alcohol brands
- Frozen drink options (Carl Black & Gold Cabana)
- The Canaveral Azul - blue raspberry
- Astro Punch - strawberry
- Draft cocktails (Stadium Club, Carl Black & Gold Cabana)
- Orlando Sunrise - lemon
- Orlando sunset - mango
New for students:
- $5 Boombox - includes hot dog, water, chips and Cosmic Brownie
UCF fired up for Florida Gators face-off in The Swamp: 'A whole different ball game'
The Knights are scheduled to take the trip up to Gainesville to face the Florida Gators on Oct. 5.
UCF football 2024 schedule
- Aug. 29 (Thursday): New Hampshire | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
- Sept. 7: Sam Houston | 6:30 p.m. | ESPN+
- Sept. 14: at TCU | 7:30 p.m. | FOX
- Sept. 28: Colorado
- Oct. 5: at Florida | 6-8 p.m. time window
- Oct. 12: Cincinnati
- Oct. 19: at Iowa State
- Oct. 26: BYU
- Nov. 2: Arizona
- Nov. 9: at Arizona State
- Nov. 23: at West Virginia
- Nov. 29 (Friday): Utah
Kickoff times and TV channels will be announced at a later date.