7 new foods to try at a Phoenix Suns game this NBA season

Following a first-round playoff appearance last season, promising draft picks and trades and the return of veteran hoopers Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks, the Phoenix Suns have given fans high hopes and a hunger for basketball’s return.

The NBA tips off a new season on Oct. 20 and the Suns will host the Golden State Warriors at their home opener on Oct. 24. When fans crowd into Mortgage Matchup Center in downtown Phoenix, they’ll find new eats to keep them fueled through every minute of the game.

At the arena, diners can snack for as little as $2 or drop thousands to access the members-only restaurant, The Ra Ra Room. The value items — hot dogs, tacos, popcorn, chips, ice cream sandwiches, water and soda — will be available again this season. The chefs at Mortgage Matchup Center have also cooked some new Southwestern-inspired eats for fans.

“We get excited for every Suns season,” chef Otis Huemmer says. “We want to match the energy on the court in the kitchen and make sure the fan experience is memorable and they’re getting a taste of Arizona at the same time.”

Here are seven new bites to try while you’re rooting for the Suns.

Beat the Buzzer: Four Quarter Fiesta ($65)

Section 101
The 9-9-9 challenge went viral at ballparks around the country this season. That’s nine hot dogs and beers in nine innings of baseball. The Suns’ answer to that gut-busting pairing is a bit more restrained. That’s likely because basketball has only four quarters of play. The Beat the Buzzer tray features four tacos and four margaritas nestled in a custom orange box. The first-quarter pairing is a Midori marg and carne asada. A chicken al pastor taco and mango margarita with a Tajín rim follow. The third-quarter duo is a fish taco with a strawberry marg. End the game, and your meal, with a blueberry-pineapple margarita and a blueberry compote-topped cheesecake taco in a crispy shell.

“If you can beat the buzzer and eat them in four quarters, you have a small victory,” Huemmer says.

Mesquite Smoked Half Chicken ($25)

Section 109
The lower-level eatery, Smoked, features barbecue staples, like pulled pork sandwiches and smoked wings. Arena cooks will now also smoke half chickens, then finish them with a brown sugar glaze. Cooks will add crispy fried onions and a pickle with each chicken.

Bavarian Nacho Bowl ($18)

Section 418
These shareable nachos, served at Gorilla Grill, get an Oktoberfest twist. Cooks will smother pretzel bites in beer cheese, then top them with pulled pork and pico de gallo. 

Birria Crunch Burro ($20)

Sections 112, 116, 124
To try Huemmer’s favorite new dish, head to the grills on the lower level that are named for the Valley’s area codes. Cooks stuff each burrito with beef birria and rice and then griddle the tortillas with Oaxacan cheese to create that crunchy exterior. Each burro comes with consomé for dipping.

Elote Brisket Bowl ($15)

Sections 101 and 418
For some state fair flair, try the Elote Brisket Bowl at Los Soles Taqueria and Hornitos Bar. Chefs drizzle these corn ribs with crema and garnish them with cotija cheese and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos dust. Smoked brisket accompanies these elotes.

Cowboy Loaded Fries ($18)

Section 121
You’ll have to be a season ticket holder to try these loaded fries, which are available at the VIP-only FanDuel Lounge. Spiral-cut sidewinder fries are doused in nacho cheese and topped with brisket, fried onions and pickled jalapeños. 

Peach Cobbler ($10)

Section 109
The arena chefs didn’t forget dessert. Order the new peach cobbler from the concession stand, Smoked, and you’ll be handed a large square of flaky pastry with juicy peaches, all topped with a swirl of soft-serve ice cream.