iStockphoto / Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
UCF mascot next to soft pretzel
Sports fans are currently living in the Golden Age of concessions thanks to the teams and venues that have made a concerted effort to take the food and drink served at games to the next level. That includes UCF, which drew some inspiration from its mascot while overhauling the soft pretzels that are being served up when the football team plays at the Bounce House.
Major League Baseball is widely credited with blazing the trail that led to the widespread proliferation of the concession stands that are now a staple of every major sporting venue.
Two men, concessions magnate Harry Stevens and Chris Von de Ahe, the former owner of the team now known as the St. Louis Cardinals, are primarily responsible for making hot dogs a staple of baseball games, which precipitated the arrival of peanuts, Cracker Jacks, and the many other offerings hungry fans can treat themselves to when they’re attending a sporting event in person.
I’m personally an absolute sucker for a soft pretzel in basically any setting where they’re available (I recently traveled more than 300 miles with a dozen I picked up in Wawa Territory before heading back to a home where they’re nowhere to be found), and it is safe to say I’m very intrigued by what UCF will be offering at football games this season.
UCF is selling soft pretzels shaped like a sword at the Bounce House
Stadium food has gotten increasingly elevated over the past couple of decades, as teams have catered to fans with more discerning palates while whipping up dishes and drinks that are basically designed to be showcased on social media.
Last season, the Buffalo Sabres found themselves with a hit on their hands when they started peddling the “Beer Sabre” at the KeyBank Center, and UCF has gone a similar route on the soft pretzel front for the 2026 football season.
The team is known as the Knights, so it’s only natural they’d draw inspiration from its mascot while dreaming up the sword-shaped soft pretzels that came to my attention courtesy of Matt Brown of Extra Points.
critically important sports business news
UCF is selling pretzel swords
(via @levyrestaurants) pic.twitter.com/8snLea2gee
— Matt Brown (@MattBrownEP) August 31, 2026
There is some bad news, as SeatGeek reports the pretzel swords are only being served in “premium areas” at the stadium, which the school defines as “Suites, Sky Suites Field Cabanas, Loge Cabanas, Tower Club, Stadium Club, and the Carl Black & Gold Cabana.”
However, they’re missing out on a golden opportunity if they decline to give the peons access at some point.