New Food Upgrades for Fans at ODU Football Games

Football-themed spread of burgers, fries, fried chicken bites and salads in checkered paper on turf, with navy helmets.

Food at ODU football games
Courtesy of ODU

Whether you’re a season-ticket-holding, expert tailgater or a casual observer, by now you’ve probably heard the hoopla about ODU’s recent $67.5 million reconstruction of Ballard Stadium, home of ODU Football, with its vastly improved seating, technology and amenities for players and fans alike. But what you may not have heard is that, along with the structural and aesthetic improvements, came an expanded selection of food offerings that go a step above stadium standards.

ODU Executive Chef Robert Patton oversaw the development of the menu, which includes premium burgers with toppings like grilled onions and mushrooms, seafood options such as shrimp baskets and crabcake sandwiches, and loaded fries with a variety of comfort food flavors sure to score yardage with hungry stadium-goers. On the lighter side, there are many new vegetarian and health-conscious choices such as vegan Boca burgers, nachos topped with meat-free chili and an assortment of “better for you” snacks at self-serve vending stations. So, tuck in before the next touchdown at the Monarch’s last regular conference home game on Nov. 30.

A smiling woman with short auburn hair, wearing a denim jacket and magenta top, standing outdoors before a city building.
Leona Baker

Leona Baker is the former Editor-in-Chief of Coastal Virginia Magazine. She is a writer, creative, communications professional, food freak, news junkie, nature and travel lover and mom. She holds a degree in English from James Madison University and a degree in Dance & Choreography from Virginia Commonwealth University. She previously served as Senior Copywriter for Spark 451, Director of Marketing & Communications at Virginia Wesleyan University, and Senior Editor of Port Folio Weekly.

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