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Kennewick, Wash. - Lamb Weston Internal Campaign 2023 Photo by Alisha Jucevic

End Zone Eats: Score big this football season

August 24, 2026

Football season is one of the biggest food occasions of the year, bringing fans together to watch, cheer, celebrate, and eat. With 64% of Americans identifying as sports fans1 and major sporting events capable of driving restaurant sales increases, game day presents a huge opportunity for operators.

The biggest winners? QSR concepts that deliver craveable, shareable foods quickly. Burgers, chicken, wings, pizza, and of course fries are all game-day favorites that keep fans fueled from kickoff to the final whistle.2

The key is creating menu experiences that feel authentic to the football occasion, not just football-themed marketing.3

End Zone Eats promotion ideas

  • First down fry upgrade: Add a free fry upgrade with any sandwich or burger purchase on game days.

  • Touchdown bundles: Create shareable meal bundles featuring burgers, chicken sandwiches, appetizers, and large fries designed for 4 to 6 fans.

  • Halftime happy hour: Offer discounted loaded fries, appetizers, or beverages during halftime. 

  • Two-minute drill: Limited-time flash deal during the last two minutes of the second quarter or fourth quarter.

  • Fan favorite fries bracket: Let guests vote weekly on specialty fry creations until one is crowned the End Zone Eats Champion.

  • Home team combo: Feature a regionally inspired burger or sandwich paired with signature fries.

  • Pick-six catering pack: Game-day catering bundles perfect for office pools, tailgates, and watch parties. 

  • Victory Monday: Offer a special discount the day after a big local win to keep fans celebrating.

Chef garnishing top and loaded tater tots
Carpos Restaurant Soquel 0177 CMYK

Winning play

Football fans want food that's easy to share, easy to order, and packed with flavor. By building promotions around crowd-pleasing favorites and creating memorable game-day occasions, operators can turn every weekend into an End Zone Eats opportunity. 

Find the perfect game day recipe

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Additional resources

Other End Zone Eats resources More blogs

Sources: 

  1. Kantar, “Sports as Cultural Glue”, January 2026
  2. GlobalData, 2026
  3. Total Foodservice March 2024  

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