As playoff season heats up across the NHL and NBA, Aramark Sports + Entertainment is bringing viral food and beverage moments and limited-edition merchandise to arenas nationwide.
From Social Media to Center Ice: The Boy Aquarium Cocktail
Just in time for the NHL playoffs, Aramark is debuting the Boy Aquarium Cocktail, a playful, eye-catching drink inspired by the viral “boy aquarium” trend taking over social media.
With major league hockey experiencing a surge in engagement from female fans and creators across social media, the cocktail was crafted to celebrate the evolving, culture-driven energy surrounding the game.
A nod to the intensity, athleticism, and high-energy atmosphere of the game, the speciality drink is served in a collectible 20 oz souvenir bowl and features vibrant flavors and colorful garnishes like mango boba and gummy candy. Recipes vary by team:
- Ottawa Senators Boy Aquarium Cocktail: Vodka, Triple Sec, Sprite, mango boba, Swedish Fish.
- Pittsburgh Penguins Pens Aquarium Cocktail: Vodka, Blue Curaçao, Sprite, mango boba, Swedish Fish.
- Philadelphia Flyers Boy Aquarium Cocktail: Vodka, Blue Curaçao, Sprite, mango boba, Swedish Fish.
Playoff Momentum Builds Nationwide
Aramark continues to elevate the fan experience during one of the most exciting moments in the sports calendar. Alongside its NHL offerings, Aramark is rolling out new postseason concepts across NBA arenas (Frost Bank Center, Rocket Arena, Xfinity Mobile Arena) including the interactive Pop-a-Tot featuring loaded tater tots in a basketball hoop vessel.
The postseason excitement continues at the venue level, with each arena unveiling its own lineup of playoff eats:
Spurs playoff energy comes to life at Frost Bank Center through culinary residency programs and limited time offerings.
- The Jackal Dog: All beef frank, brisket chili, sweet & spicy BBQ, sliced jalapeno, crispy onions served on a hoagie roll.
- Crispy Chicken Mole Sandwich: Chicken breast, mole, hot honey and cole slaw served with a side of waffle fries.
- Davila’s Dino Rib: Colossal slow smoked beef rib.
- Area 51: Specialty cocktail featuring Lunazul Blanco, passion fruit puree, fresh lime juice, pineapple juice, and a splash of blue curacao.
- The postseason Culinary Residency Program will feature local partners for games one and two:
- Game 1: Alamo Biscuit Company, Sari-Sari, The Peach Cobbler Factory
- Game 2: Wing Theory, Krazy Katsu, Dipped Cheesecake
- Premium locations will feature special playoff themed cookie and cake pop bouquets, Billionaire Bacon snack stations, raw bars with custom ice sculptures, Bananas Foster action stations, and more.
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Playoff menus at Xfinity Mobile Arena blend indulgent comfort food with chef‑driven flair, highlighted by:
- Port Richmond Style Pierogis: Sauteed perogies, caramelized onions, brown butter crème fraiche, apple compote, chive with choice of crispy andouille, lamb sausage, or braised cabbage.
- Steak Frites: Truffled short rib, shoestring fries, au poivre sauce, parmesan aioli.
At Rocket Arena, Aramark is partnering with standout local chefs to deliver a series of elevated, playoff-ready menu items that spotlight Cleveland’s culinary scene.
- Spicy “Meatballer” Pizza: Hand-stretched dough topped with house-made meatballs, crushed tomatoes, grana, aged provolone and Calabrian hot honey, in partnership with Flour Pizza Co.’s Chef Matt Mytro.
- Short Rib Bao Buns: Short rib, cucumber, pickled carrots and apple syrup served in a steamed bun, in partnership with Rocco’s Chef Rocco Whalen.
- Turkey Burger with BBQ Glaze: Turkey burger with ground zucchini, topped with barbecue glaze, shredded lettuce, fried onion rings, pickles and Juneberry Table special sauce on a griddled sesame seed bun, in partnership with P. St. Market Cafe’s Chef Karen Small.
- Cajun Soul Rolls: crispy fried egg roll wrappers filled with Cajun-seasoned chicken, peppers, onions, yellow rice, herbs, spices and melted cheese, served with house-made Cajun ranch aioli, in partnership with Pearl’s Kitchen’s Chef Tiwanna Scott-Williams.
- Club Deluxe Chicken Sandwich: Crispy tenders topped with lettuce, tomato, house-made chipotle ranch sauce and Colby cheese atop a toasted brioche bun, in partnership with Sauce the City’s Chef Victor Searcy Jr.
In Pittsburgh, PPG Paints Arena is introducing a lineup of indulgent, shareable concepts designed to match the intensity of postseason hockey.
- Ultimate Penguinator: Turkey, roast beef, ham, provolone, cheddar, pierogies, mozzarella planks, waffle fries, lettuce, tomato, roasted garlic ranch, served on an herb Italian stick.
- Beef Stroganoff Playoff Pierogi: Seared potato cheddar pierogies, seasoned shaved beef, caramelized onions, stroganoff sauce, chives.
- “Ladies & Gentlemen… Elvis… has just left the building!”: Pittsburgh smash burger with candied bacon, peanut butter jam, caramelized bananas, and housemade chips.
At Canadian Tire Centre, bold, comfort-driven flavors take center stage with uniquely Canadian-inspired playoff offerings.
- THE Extreme Playoff Sandwich: One third of a pound of meat, slow roasted beef brisket, sliced Italian sausage, smoked pulled pork, classic northern BBQ sauce and pickled red onions on a sesame seed bun.
- Meat + Potatoes Nacho: Braised beef and mini potato pierogi nachos served in a souvenir puck.
- Sparty’s Playoff Dawg: All-beef footlong hot dog with queso, pickled ketchup, pickled jalapeños and crumbled Cheetos.
Exclusive Playoff Retail Moments
Aramark Sports + Entertainment Retail is bringing a full lineup of playoff merchandise to PPG Paints Arena as the Pittsburgh Penguins begin their postseason run. Fans can shop PensGear locations throughout the arena for matchup pucks, apparel, hats, pins, and more, with new items dropping throughout the playoffs.
At Frost Bank Center, Spurs fans can shop playoff exclusive merchandise, like the highly sought-after City Edition jersey which will be worn during the first two playoff rounds. Other available items include apparel, hats, coolers, limited-edition pins, and more, celebrating the thrilling playoff run.
