Crazy Concessions at World Cup Venues

Crazy Concessions at World Cup Venues

July 7, 2026

From Twinkie Cheeseburgers To 5-Pound Empanadas, We Found The Wildest Eats At World Cup Stadiums
Host venues across the United States are ditching traditional concessions for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, introducing an array of imaginative and over-the-top culinary creations that reflect local food cultures. Stadiums are serving up everything from Miami's $75 caviar-topped hash brown patties and five-pound empanadas to Los Angeles's brisket-stuffed "Twinkie Cheeseburger." These regional menus—which also feature specialized fusions like San Francisco's burrito-hot-dog mashup and Atlanta's oxtail egg rolls—have transformed the international soccer tournament into a full-on culinary spectacle.
^Delish

Versant agrees to buy golf simulator company Full Swing for $530 million
Versant Media Group has agreed to acquire the golf simulation company Full Swing from private equity firm Bruin Capital for approximately $530 million in cash. This strategic acquisition aligns with CEO Mark Lazarus's plan to expand Versant's digital and non-traditional media portfolio, building upon its existing golf assets such as the Golf Channel, GolfNow, and GolfPass. The transaction is expected to close before December 31, 2026, with Full Swing CEO Ryan Dotters remaining on board to lead the business under Versant's digital platforms division.
^CNBC

Nielsen Prepares Another Major Shake-Up in Sports TV Ratings
Nielsen is introducing a new methodology to measure "co-viewing," which tracks group television viewing within a single household using data from proprietary smartwatch-type devices worn by its viewership panel. Slated to roll out as official audience measurement "currency" in September for the 2026–27 television season, a recent pilot program demonstrated an average 4.19% viewership lift across major live events like Super Bowl LX and the Winter Olympics. While sports leagues and networks like the NFL and NASCAR welcome the technological upgrade to capture previously undercounted group audiences, the continuous methodology shifts mean year-over-year ratings comparisons won't be truly accurate until late 2027.
^{Front Office Sports}

Dallas Wings unveil luxury new training facility as franchise enters new era
The Dallas Wings have unveiled renderings for a massive, state-of-the-art training facility to be located at Joey Georgusis Park in Far West Oak Cliff. The estimated $80 million project is being funded jointly, with $52 million provided by the city of Dallas and the remaining $27–28 million covered by team ownership. Covering more than 70,000 square feet, the luxury complex will feature practice courts, a strength and conditioning wing, a player dining area, a glam room, and an in-house content studio, with construction being accelerated for completion by April 2027.
^Chron

Manchester United fits new dugouts at Old Trafford for Champions League return
Manchester United is expanding the dugouts at Old Trafford to 21 seats per bench to comply with UEFA's requirement of seating for at least 20 people ahead of their return to the Champions League. Construction on the new three-row layout began recently, causing a temporary rerouting of the stadium tours around the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand. Additionally, the club is installing a brand-new pitch for the first time in 14 years and has recently acquired a 25-acre site near the stadium to progress plans for a new 100,000-seat arena.
^{The Stadium Business}

James Dolan puts 32-year-old son Quentin in charge of Rangers
James Dolan, the executive chairman of MSG Sports, has handed over the day-to-day operations of the New York Rangers to his 32-year-old son, Quentin Dolan. Stepping into the roles of president, COO, and alternate governor, Quentin will oversee both the NHL club and its AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, while his 71-year-old father steps back from daily responsibilities. Current president and general manager Chris Drury will remain in his hockey operations role and report directly to Quentin, who aims to build on his family's legacy and steer the franchise back to Stanley Cup contention after missing the playoffs for two consecutive seasons.
^ESPN

Performance innovators D’Amelio, Suh share strategies for best-in-class organizations
New York Liberty Chief Innovation Officer Keith D’Amelio and former NFL star Ndamukong Suh share key strategies for modern sports organizations to elevate performance and athlete care. They emphasize the importance of creating two-way communication with players regarding data tracking, embracing organizational uniqueness rather than simply copying competitors, and establishing innovation incubators. Additionally, D’Amelio highlights the necessity of balancing immediate, daily problem-solving with structured, long-term planning overseen by staff who are removed from the everyday grind.
^{Sports Business Journal}

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Former NCAA Basketball Star Kerr Kriisa Arrested by FBI in Alleged Multimillion-Dollar Fraud Scheme
Former NCAA basketball star Kerr Kriisa was arrested by federal authorities in Kentucky on Friday evening, July 3, 2026, in connection with an alleged multimillion-dollar fraud scheme. The 25-year-old athlete, who recently finished his final collegiate season at Cincinnati, is being held at the Fayette County Detention Center and is expected to be extradited to West Virginia, where the alleged crimes took place during his 2023–24 season with the Mountaineers. Following news of the federal charges, the University of Kentucky alumni team, LaFamilia, released a statement announcing that Kriisa has been removed from their roster and will not compete in the upcoming Basketball Tournament.
^People

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