5 new items you have to try at Gainbridge Fieldhouse this fall
Treats are in store for those headed to Gainbridge Fieldhouse this fall for NBA action, concerts and other events.
Sure, there are fan favorites such as burgers and hotdogs – the tried and true accounts for about 90% of the food sold during game time at the arena, according to officials.
The place continues to step up its food and drink offerings, whether through its stands or those operated by partners.
To keep the 2 million annual visitors happy, it’s pulling from trends with the availability of extreme milkshakes and birria ramen; and bar areas are being branded. 50 Cent’s Sire Spirits is sponsoring the bar at the ‘67 Club, while Upland Brewing Co. partners on a couple of others.
The stadium is continuing a guest chef program with a woman- or minority-owned food operator taking over The Kitchen stand at Section 17 for Pacers games, as well as other events, starting on Oct. 22. Each guest will offer a couple of entrees.
Here are five new items you have to try at Gainbridge Fieldhouse:
Extreme Milkshakes
Steak ‘n Shake has opened a milkshake stand at Gainbridge.
Called The Shake Bar by Steak N Shake, the concept sells 20-ounce handspun shakes in traditional flavors, as well as M&M and Oreo ($8-$10). What’s going to really grab fan’s attention though are the Crazy shakes. The Crazy Chocolate Brownie shake features two full double chocolate chip brownies atop a chocolate shake, and the Crazy Cotton Candy has cotton candy, a lollipop and rock candy sticks on top of a cotton candy-flavored shake.
Other flavors are in the works.
In coming weeks, the counter will have self-ordering kiosks.
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Taste of Innova Wings & Greens
A popular participant in the guest chef program last year, this restaurant is getting a permanent spot at the Circle City Chicken spot on the Krieg DeVault Level at section103.
It’s serving fried wings, greens, hand-breaded chicken tenders and breaded cauliflower.
Cantina Nachos with adobo chicken
House-fried tortilla chips are loaded with adobo-rubbed chicken that’s been marinated overnight, pico de gallo, and three-chili queso. The portion is enough for two.
Sold at the Three Point Tacqueria stands, the nachos also are available in a Corona-braised beef version.
Bourbon Bacon Grilled Cheese
Like decadent grilled cheese? Then get to a stand for this delight of white cheddar, fontina and Swiss with brown sugar bacon jam made with Jim Beam. ($14)
Birria Ramen Cup
A plenty flavorful addition builds on the introduction of ramen last year. Corona-braised beef tops ramen made with broth from the beef. It comes with two small quesadillas for dipping. ($10)
Other new items available throughout the stadium include street tacos with house-made flour tortillas; crispy cinnamon wheels with Nutella, strawberries and powdered sugar; a plant-based sloppy joe; an antipasti chopped salad; and a barbeque walking taco topped with smoked pork or chicken, mac and cheese and coleslaw.
New food carts sell Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt; Java House beverages, Ben's Pretzel snacks and Chick-fil-A (which opened a stand at the venue last year).
In addition, Gainbridge expanded the number of cashless grab-and-go stations, allowing customers to swipe their credit cards, walk in and shop and have their cards automatically charged upon exit with any items selected.
Those with wanderlust will find more areas to congregate and lounge throughout the stadium.
Contact IndyStar reporter Cheryl V. Jackson at cheryl.jackson@indystar.com or 317-444-6264. Follow her on Twitter: @cherylvjackson.
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Pacers NBA basketball at Gainbridge Fieldhouse: New food to try
