Coastal Carolina is looking to make its fans the best-fed in college football this fall.
Fans at the Chanticleers’ six home games in 2025 can acquire four items per concession stand visit from a selection of hot dogs, popcorn, nachos and fountain drinks. They can make unlimited visits and are only required to scan each trip through an athletic department app.
“We’re always looking for ways to elevate (fans’) game day experience,” Coastal Carolina athletic director Chance Miller said in a release on Monday. “We’re excited to offer free concessions this fall as a way to say thank you for the energy, passion and support they bring to Brooks Stadium every game.”
Picture this. It’s September 6. You’ve got your free nachos. Free hot dog. Free drink. The Chants have taken the field for the first time. Life is good.
Season tickets ➡️ https://t.co/dHraVZhgUF#BALLATTHEBEACH | #FAM1LY | #TEALNATION pic.twitter.com/gOwoIANKMp
— Coastal Football (@CoastalFootball) March 31, 2025
Fans can also purchase other items at concession stands. Third-year coach Tim Beck’s team begins its home slate on Sept. 6 against Charleston Southern.
The Chanticleers have gone 14-12 under Beck, with two bowl appearances. They went 6-7 in 2024, capped by a loss to UTSA in the Myrtle Beach Bowl, which Coastal Carolina hosts annually at Brooks Stadium.
The move to offer free concessions runs counter to what some larger programs are doing to grow their revenue ahead of the House settlement, which is expected to be finalized next week and will allow larger athletic departments to share up to $20.5 million with athletes. The University of Tennessee announced in September a 10 percent “talent fee” on the price of season tickets. Arkansas basketball also announced a shakeup in seating for season ticket holders in January, arranging seats by donors’ donation levels.
The move also is the latest and most dramatic in an effort by some teams to lessen the financial burden on fans attending games. When the Atlanta Falcons opened their new stadium in 2017, they debuted “fan-first” pricing at concessions, featuring hot dogs, drinks and popcorn for $2, beers for $5 and pizza for $3.
The Atlanta Hawks made a similar move shortly after. The Utah Jazz and Utah Hockey Club have adopted similar policies in recent years. The Phoenix Suns also cut concession prices this season. The Falcons said the move resulted in a 30 percent rise in concession sales.
(Photo: Isaiah Vazquez / Getty Images)