Texas Two-Step: FC Dallas and Austin FC Stadium Food
Major League Soccer has evolved into a serious soccer league since its inception in 1996. Today we’re doing a Texas two-step to check out stadium foods options with FC Dallas and Austin FC.
Food Scouts Executive Producer Rich Libero served as a color commentator for the New York/New Jersey MetroStars (now Red Bull) back in 1998. “I remember teams playing in American football stadiums. The Columbus Crew had 10,000 fans for a game at Ohio State’s monster 100,000 seater. And the MetroStars did not fill Giants Stadium very often back in those days.”
Fast forward to 2023 and most MLS teams play in purpose-built soccer stadiums. These stadiums come complete with double-decker stands and covered seating. You’ll notice a resemblance to many English soccer stadia in terms of style and capacity.
Local culture is a big part of the MLS stadium scene. Each venue boasts local flavors in both food, style, themes and tradition. Many of the stadiums are integrated into the downtown.
With cool stadia, great fanfare from the “ultras,”and affordable ticket prices, MLS has emerged as a great day out for the family. Win, lose or draw, everyone comes away with a memory whether it be the food, chants, pageantry or a great play.
So let’s get to Texas.
FC Dallas
Formerly known as the Dallas Burn, Toyota Park is an upgrade over the old Cotton Bowl.
“We did a game at the Cotton Bowl in the middle of summer and it was 125 degrees when we landed and about 120 at kickoff,” Libero said.
The only thing hotter than Texas weather is the food. Two dishes stand out for a combo of decadent savory-ness!
First, there’s Short-rib Grilled Cheese on Texas toast.
“Birria Grilled Cheese
Five-hour braised beef short ribs, Melted Monterey jack and cheddar slices grilled between two buttered sliced of Texas toast. Served with a side of consommé.”
This paper boat is loaded with spectacular potential. Slow-cooked rib meat? Monterrey Jack? Buttered, sliced Texas Toast!? Savor every single bite!
This sandwich is designed to cause emotional conflict.
You’re happy you ate it.
You’re sad when it’s gone.
You’re chastising yourself for wanting another.
It’s all gonna be OK.
And then…if that sandwich wasn’t enough…there’s the cherry on top.
We’re talking Funnel Cakes, which have become a stadium and fairground staple…but this is done up like a French fry and topped with a sweet cherry sauce.
FCDallas.com describes it like this: “Funnel Sticks with Cherry Sauce
Fresh twist on the beloved classic funnel cake with fresh fried funnel cake sticks, topped with powdered sugar and sweet cherry dipping sauce.”
We’ve gotta get outta Dallas before it’s too late.
Down to Austin…
We’ll head down to Austin, Texas…and see if we can survive a soccer trip through the Lone Star State and skip the quadurple bypass!
Austin FC is a relatively new MLS club having launched in 2021. It offers a stunning stadium and an eclectic food experience that’s not the normal “stadium food.” There’s more of a ‘food truck” culture with concessions served out of converted shipping containers.
What stands out in Austin? First off…the entire stadium is green. Everything is green. Even the hot dog buns.
Roy Keane the former Irish international and skipper of Manchester United once launched a vindictive against the fans in the luxury suites of the modern English Premier League.
“Away from home our fans are fantastic, I’d call them the hardcore fans. But at home they have a few drinks and probably the prawn sandwiches, and they don’t realise what’s going on out on the pitch. I don’t think some of the people who come to Old Trafford can spell football, never mind understand it.” Ouch.
We mention “the prawn sandwich” because T-Loc’s Sonora Hot Dogs took their green buns and slammed a cold shrimp cocktail smack dab in the middle.
“T-Loc’s Sonora Hot Dogs is introducing a cold shrimp cocktail to their menu. It’s tangy, a bit spicy, and the perfect snack to enjoy on a warm Austin evening,” TheAustinThings.com said.
One Taco is pumping what TheAustinThings.com called “one of the best in Austin.” Check it out: “These are some of the best tacos in Austin AND they’re available at Q2 Stadium! Sometimes when you eat at a sporting event, the food vendors tend to skimp on the toppings and fillings…but not OneTaco! They fill up the tacos until they’re stuffed full with delicious, warm, flavorful carne asada and pastor and chicken, and top their tacos with fresh-cut avocado, plenty of lime juice, and their own spicy fresh salsa.”
We’ll be exploring more of what Major League Soccer has to offer in upcoming posts!
