The invitation for media members to dine on new foods at Huntington Bank Stadium was extended to three standout Gophers offensive linemen this year.

It was hard to miss Aireontae Ersery, Quinn Carroll and Tyler Cooper on the club level for the Aug. 23 event, with them each standing at least 6-foot-6 and tipping the scales at more than 310 pounds.

They, of course, ate their fair share.

“It was pretty fitting having the big guys get some food,” Carroll said with a laugh.

Gopher Hospitality and ARAMARK Sports + Entertainment introduced 10 new specialty and local concession items and are bringing in batched and canned cocktails for the first time after the U’s Board of Regents approved the addition in July.

“Don’t get me wrong: We will have chicken fingers and French fries and hot dogs. Those will still be our volume (purchases), but it’s providing these other experiences that can really elevate what a fan can have at a game is important,” said Mike Wierzbicki, senior associate athletic director for external affairs. “We’ve had really good feedback. So credit to our staff to rising to the challenge and bringing new ideas forward.”

Some of the favorites:

Chicken, Waffle, Taco — Goldy’s Grill (Section 131)

Nordic Waffle stuffed with crispy chicken breast, hot maple syrup, Minnesota spice and a house slaw

“It’s got a hint of spice — very Minnesotan,” said Chris Vokracka, General Manager for Gopher Hospitality.

Brat Dog — (Section 151)

Jalapeño cheddar brat inside of breading

“That was probably my favorite thing,” Carroll said, even though it technically is not a new offering.

Chicken, Bacon, Boom Sandwich — Goldy’s Grill (Sections 105, 131)

Crispy chicken breast, cheddar cheese, bacon, boom boom sauce on brioche

“I’ve got some creative chefs in the kitchen,” Vokracka said. “We love having them and see the creativity that they come up with this year.”

Short Rib Grilled Cheese — Sizzle (Section 133)

Braised short rib, sharp white cheddar, arugula on Texas toast

This is Vokracka’s favorite. “It’s one of the better bites in the stadium,” he said.

Briefly

Ersery and Cooper’s favorite was the truffle lobster Mac and cheese, but that is exclusive to the stadium’s premium suites and clubs. … One of the hottest items was the Pho-ritto from The Lotus. All 30 samples were gone before the Pioneer Press could have a taste. … Brat Dog’s deep-fried apple fries with caramel sauce was another big hit. “They claim they are healthy, too,” Carroll said. “I don’t know how real that is.” … The Minny Bowls — at Uffday stand outside section 143 — has a Swedish option of smashed potatoes, meatballs and lingonberry sauce, which will warm you up for the November games. … The batched cocktails will include a Bloody Mary option, but that’s only for the Gophers’ 11 a.m. kickoffs.

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