With football officially back in Inglewood, SoFi Stadium gave media an early taste of what Los Angeles Rams and Chargers fans can expect throughout the 2026 NFL season.
Taste of Sofi Stadium 2026. Credit: Jakob Layman/ Legends Global
On Thursday morning, Sept. 10, SoFi Stadium and Legends Global hosted Taste of SoFi Stadium, an exclusive preview of the venue’s newest food, beverage and merchandise offerings. The event also gave media an opportunity to experience some of the stadium beyond the stands, including stepping onto the field, visiting the team locker rooms and walking through the player tunnel.
While there was plenty to experience throughout the morning, the food was the main attraction. Led by Senior Executive Chef Omar Almaraz alongside partner chefs and James Beard Award winners Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, the culinary team showcased a menu that continues to push the idea of what stadium food can be. The 2026 additions include everything from elevated takes on familiar game-day favorites to dishes influenced by flavors from around the world. One of the biggest additions is Frites, a new concept centered around loaded fries with Butter Chicken, Short Rib and Pastrami varieties. Other new menu items include Baked Ziti, a Buffalo Chicken Wrap, Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage, Chicken Club Sandwich, Pickle Fries, Fiesta Chopped Salad and the SPAM Dog.
With so many different options to sample, one dish stood above the rest for me: Chef Arturo Salcedo’s Lobster Milanese. The Lobster Milanese was easily my favorite dish of the morning. Between the quality of the lobster, presentation and overall flavor, it felt much closer to something I would expect to order at a restaurant than something I would normally associate with an NFL stadium. It was also a great example of how far the food experience at modern sports venues has come.
The Lobster Milanese by Chef Arturo Salcedo. Photo Credit: The Knockturnal
At the same time, SoFi Stadium has not forgotten about the classics.
Fan feedback helped lead to a second BBQ location near the north side entrances, while Touchdown Treats has expanded with two additional locations near the 400 and 500 levels. Fans with a sweet tooth can find new offerings including a Brookie, Chocolate Cake, Gelato and a rotating Whoopie of the Game. Four additional Dippin’ Dots locations have also been added throughout the stadium.
Food was only one part of the preview.
SoFi Stadium and Legends Global also debuted new Rams and Chargers merchandise, along with collectible food and beverage vessels. Fans can find team-branded ice cream helmets, mini cooler cups, souvenir cocktail shakers and drink cups, with team-branded popcorn buckets and “grub tubs” expected to arrive later in the season. The merchandise experience has expanded as well. The Pepsi Overlook near American Airlines Plaza now features a team store carrying jerseys, shirts and matchup-specific items. Rams fans can find the team’s Fearsome White and Classic Sol alternate jerseys, while Chargers fans have new collaborations with Warren Lotas, SEEN and Wild Collective to choose from.
Taste of Sofi Stadium 2026. Credit: Jakob Layman/ Legends Global
Beyond tasting the food and checking out the merchandise, Taste of SoFi provided another opportunity to experience one of the most impressive sports venues in Los Angeles from a different perspective. Media members participated in on-field activities, toured locker rooms and walked through the player tunnel, while Los Angeles Rams cheerleaders and the Los Angeles Chargers pup were also on hand.
Having covered several different events at SoFi Stadium over the years, I have been able to experience the venue in a number of ways. Taste of SoFi was unique because the focus was on many of the smaller details that help shape the fan experience before the game even begins. In Los Angeles, those details matter. Food, fashion, entertainment and sports culture often overlap here, and SoFi Stadium continues to find ways to bring those worlds together under one roof. Fans already received their first opportunity to experience the new additions during the Chargers’ regular-season matchup against the Arizona Cardinals earlier Sunday. The Rams will get their turn next when they host the New York Giants for their home opener Monday, Sept. 21. With another NFL season now underway at SoFi Stadium, there is plenty for Rams and Chargers fans to look forward to beyond what happens on the field. And after getting an early taste of the 2026 menu, I already know what I would order again.
Chargers Marching Band. Photo Credit Noel Vasquez/ SoFi Stadium
