Game-day eats: What to try at UNC Charlotte games this season

It's almost time to dig into football season. The 49ers kick off their home opener on Sept. 5 against The Citadel with a revamped roster of stadium food that gives fans plenty to cheer for — from a new value menu of $2.99 items to gooey Gouda mac and cheese bites.

• The new food lineup is crafted for how Charlotte fans enjoy game day. It celebrates Southern roots, local legends and football culture.

What you need to know: We got an early taste of what's on the menu, and good news: it's a gold mine of mouthwatering options.

Here's what to try this season at Jerry Richardson Stadium. 👇

The Budget Blitz

Stadium snacks? In this economy? Charlotte is adding a wallet-friendly value menu this season, with five stadium classics priced at $2.99 each.

• The Budget Blitz menu includes pretzel bites, BBQ tacos, small popcorn bags, regular hot dogs and fountain sodas.

Grilled chicken sandwich

Brand-new to the menu this year is the grilled chicken sandwich. Expect juicy chicken stacked with Swiss cheese, jalapeño bacon, lettuce and tomato on a golden bun, plus a side of fries.

• 💵 $11.50 for the basket.

Gouda mac & cheese bites

A basket of crispy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside golden bites served with a sweet house chili sauce for dipping and topped with scallions. You're not going to want to skip — or share — these.

• 💵 $8.50 for a basket.

The Gleezy Dog

A double-smoked beef brisket hot dog from the beloved 49ers alumni-owned brand. Top it off with a drizzle of Carolina Dog Sauce for the perfect stadium bite.

• 💵 $8 per dog.

The Albinator

An ode to head coach Tim Albin, the Albinator is a classic cheesesteak topped with crispy onions, served alongside fries and a pickle spear.

• 💵 $12.50 for the basket.

Smoked sausage on toast

A hefty City BBQ smoked sausage, topped with slaw and served open-faced on grilled toast. This one's built to hold you over until the final whistle.

• 💵 $12 for a basket.

Beef barbacoa tacos

If game day makes you crave a bit of Tex-Mex flair, grab a pair of slow-cooked barbacoa tacos served in warm tortillas.

• 💵 $12 for a basket of two tacos.

👀 Looking ahead: New and improved stadium eats are just the first course. Jerry Richardson Stadium is undergoing big upgrades slated to be complete in 2027.

What's in store:

• Expanded capacity with more than 18,000 seats.
• New ways to gather with premium suites, club spaces, loge and ledge seating, patios and a terrace.
• Enhanced amenities, including a new grab-and-go market and smoother operations for a more seamless game-day experience.

The takeaway: Come for the football. Stay for the mac and cheese bites, $2.99 hot dogs and unmatched Niner Nation vibes.

See the full season schedule and buy your tickets.