By Jeff Bugher
8/23/24
As the season opener against Arizona State University in Tempe, Ariz., is just eight days away, you’re probably checking out the odds of the Pokes securing a victory or double-checking that you booked your flight for the correct date. Meanwhile, according to a press release, the folks at ASU have been working diligently on fan experience improvements and concession offerings for Mountain America Stadium (formerly Sun Devil Stadium until 2023). For concessions, they’re offering a themed food item for each home game this year that correlates to each opponent. The themed offering for the August 31st matchup against the Pokes is an elk bratwurst. Yes…you read that right!
Although the drive from War Memorial Stadium in Laramie to Mountain America Bank Stadium is 883 miles away, ASU’s themed offering of an elk bratwurst will make Wyoming fans feel at home. It is a great choice mainly because many Wyoming residents are avid outdoorspeople and hunters. With a rapidly growing elk population, nearly 29,000 elk were harvested in Wyoming for the 2023-24 hunting season, a new record, per the Wyoming Game and Fish.
"Our game day specials are inspired by the culinary traditions of the teams we face, offering dishes that reflect their hometown flavors," said Leigh Mills, regional executive chef with Sodexo.
Other ’24 Concession Themes Include:
Mississippi State: alligator po boy
Kansas: burnt end street tacos
Utah: pastrami burger
UCF: surf and turf flatbread
BYU: chicken shawarma waffle cone
ASU appears to listen to its fans and actively make changes accordingly.
“We’re committed to fostering strong relationships across the entire ASU community, with a special focus on our incredible fans,” ASU Athletics Director Graham Rossini said.
“We made it a priority to listen to what they love about game day — what keeps them coming back — and also to hear their frustrations and areas where we could improve. These conversations have been about truly listening and then taking action.’’
Another item of interest that will help Wyoming fans as they enter the stadium is a new fan ambassador program. Student ambassadors will welcome and greet fans and assist at each gate.
While Wyoming fans attending the game might feel at home in Tempe at the concession stands, the temperature will likely quickly make them wish for some Wyoming weather. With a projected high of 106 degrees and a low of 83 degrees on game day, taking precautions such as staying hydrated will be crucial.
The Cowboys and Arizona State begin their season on Saturday, August 31st, at 8:30 PM MST. The game will be broadcast on national television via Fox Sports 1 (FS1), and will be broadcast on the Cowboy Radio Network throughout Wyoming.
*An Arizona State University press release contributed to this story.
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