As the weather warms up, fields fill with athletes, and school stadiums fill families, and fans—and they’re all hungry for a snack. Spring and summer sports bring in steady crowds, making it the perfect season to run a profitable, crowd-pleasing concession stand.
Whether you’re supporting a school, Little League, community team, or summer tournament, a well-run concession stand can generate major revenue for your organization. With the right setup, snacks, and strategy, you can turn every game day into a win, on and off the field.
Here’s how to do it right.
Step 1: Choose the Right Location
The best concession stands are all about access and visibility. Set up near the action, but not in the way.
Near the entrance – Customers can grab items on their way to their seats or know just where to go after they sit down.
Near seating areas – Make it easy for parents and fans to grab snacks between quarters without missing much of the game.
Along a main path – Position yourself where foot traffic flows.
Pro Tip: A canopy or tent adds visibility and shade, especially important on sunny summer days.
Step 2: Stock High-Profit, Crowd-Pleasing Items
Spring and summer snacks should be easy to serve, easy to hold, and perfect for all ages. Allen Associates offers the best-selling concession brands that keep lines moving and margins high.
Top Concession Stand Hits:
Gold Medal Popcorn – Warm, buttery popcorn is a must-have. Bonus points for the 80%+ gross margin.
Slush Puppie Frozen Drinks – A refreshing hit for kids and adults alike.
Mini Melts Ice Cream – Pre-packaged, mess-free, and a fan favorite.
Soft Pretzels – Salty, warm, and satisfying.
Nachos & Cheese – Easy to prep, and a crowd pleaser.
Cotton Candy – High-impact color, low cost, big profit.
Pro Tip: Offer combo deals such as a snack item plus beverage or “Game Day Family Bundle: popcorn, nachos & 4 sodas.”
Step 3: Keep It Cool (and Convenient)
Sports + sunshine = thirsty customers. Frozen drinks and cold snacks will fly off the shelves—but only if you have the right equipment.
Allen Associates offers:
Frozen drink machines
Popcorn warmers
Pretzel display cases
Freezers for Mini Melts & pre-packed ice cream
Don’t have your own equipment? We’ve got solutions—from equipment packages to profit programs designed just for your venue.
Step 4: Prep Your Team
Your concession stand is only as strong as your staff.
Whether it’s volunteers or paid employees, make sure your team is friendly, fast, and food-safety trained.
Train them on:
Safe food handling & serving
How to upsell combo deals
Keeping the stand clean, well-stocked, and inviting.
Assign specific roles: One person handles food, another works the register, and someone else manages restocking and cleanup.
Step 5: Maximize Sales with Smart Marketing
You don’t need a big budget to get the word out—just a little creativity.
Try These:
Chalkboard menus with fun item names and combos
“Snack of the Day” specials to highlight high-margin items
Social media shoutouts on your team or league’s pages
Punch cards or loyalty deals (“Buy 5 frozen drinks, get the 6th free!”)
Feature seasonal flavors or limited-time offers like lemon-lime Slush Puppie or caramel popcorn for a sweet twist.
Step 6: Partner with Allen Associates
Setting up a successful sports concession stand is easier when you have the right products, equipment, and guidance.
Why work with us?
✔️ We carry the best concession brands—Gold Medal, Mini Melts, Slush Puppie & more
✔️ Our Profit Counselors help you pick products that fit your audience and space
✔️ Weekly delivery across Western & Central NY
✔️ Top-tier customer service from a team that’s been in the game since 1945
Final Score: Profits + Smiles = A Home Run
A great concession stand adds flavor to every game and funds to your organization. With help from Allen Associates, you can keep fans happy, teams supported, and sales strong all season long.
Let’s make your concession stand the MVP of spring and summer sports.