Hot dogs, other food will be cheaper for Kentucky football fans at Kroger Field
Concession prices for some items at Kroger Field this fall will be going down.
The difference is a result of the university’s new contract with Compass Group to oversee dining and other services on campus, according to a UK spokesman.
“Having grown up going to games in then-Commonwealth Stadium, I’m excited about the ways the university’s partnership with Compass Group will make the game day experience at Kroger Field even better,” UK football coach Will Stein said in a news release. “Being able to enjoy more affordable concessions – high-quality food and drink options – is another reason for Big Blue Nation to come out to games this fall and help create the kind of atmosphere we want on game day. When the stadium is energized and engaged, it impacts our team in a positive way.”
Hot dogs and pretzels will each drop from $5 in 2025 to $3 in 2026. Nachos will drop from $6 to $4, popcorn from $4 to $3 and a chicken basket from $13 to $10. A 20-ounce bottle of water will cost $4, down from $7 last season.
The prices for hot dogs, pretzels, nachos and water are each $1 more than their cost at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, which has received widespread praise for the most affordable concessions in the NFL.
The cheapest domestic canned beer (a 12 ounce Bud Light) will now cost $5 at Kroger Field.
UK announced in May it was contracting Compass Group to oversee dining, maintenance, grounds, custodial, in-patient sitters and in-patient transport workers, ending its former partnership with Aramark.
In announcing that deal, UK said employees affected by the transition “will be offered the opportunity to continue in their work with comparable compensation and benefits.”
Compass will begin overseeing food, beverage and hospitality July 1 at on-campus athletic venues.
In addition to the cheaper core concession items, Compass will work with UK to “transform the food and beverage experience” at Kroger Field, Memorial Coliseum, Kentucky Proud Park and other on-campus venues, according to UK’s release. Those changes will include updated menus and the addition of collectible offerings like souvenir cups.
UK also promises the partnership will open the door to bring more local restaurants into Kroger Field. Those details will be announced closer to the Sept. 5 opener.