New Season, New Snacks
When the 2024-25 Spider Basketball season kicks off this week, fans will find something new in the Robins Center besides new players. The concession stands in the Robins Center have undergone significant renovations and improvements. It’s well-known among Spiders that UR Dining ranks third in the nation among college dining programs, and Concessions wanted their services to reflect this.
“The overall feeling was, let’s get with the rest of the campus and try to elevate the whole program. It was outdated… we needed a fresh start,” says Mike LaRue, Concessions Manager.
With this goal in mind, a few key changes were made, like replacing vintage pegboards with modern, sleek LED screens, repainting the inside of each station, and diversifying the menu options.
When considering upgrading their aesthetics and menus, the Concessions team had to consider student fans' and returning alumni's needs and desires while staying current with trends. Students can expect an exciting variety of game day eats this season, with each stand offering something different, in addition to classic favorites like burgers and popcorn. Demarcated by a vibrant and easy-to-read menu board, one station will have one “theme” to serve every spectator better.
“One will have fresh-baked pretzels [and] tornados; another will have healthier options like wraps, hummus cups, and fruit, while the last one will specialize in nachos with different toppings, like barbecue chicken or pork,” says LaRue. One stand will continue to offer Papa John’s Pizza.
While students may go for a more “innovative” choice like loaded nachos, alumni may crave “just a very basic, price sensitive burger, [for example],” says Rich Jacobs, Director of Retail Operations. “We have a high-volume, diverse customer base.”
Managing that high volume is an army of volunteers. From church members to high school cheerleaders, each game has a new all-volunteer Concessions team, allowing for a community-driven effort. Dining Services feels optimistic about this upcoming basketball season and their role in it: “The basketball team last year won the conference. The women’s basketball team is a preseason favorite, so come and support your Spiders and [you’ll] get good food,” says Jacobs.