When it comes to your game day party, show guests you're there to win! This snack stadium is stuffed with tasty treats, and it's easy to assemble.
When it comes to game days, there are two kinds of people: those whose primary focus is the action and folks who came mostly for the food. My feet are firmly planted in the latter camp (I mean, who doesn’t love a great chip and dip combo?). But in the past few years, a new trend has sprouted up that really brings these two sides together: the snack stadium.
Part football, part snack and 100% over-the-top, these stadiums are the ultimate showpiece for your upcoming Super Bowl party. Don’t believe us? Check out these amazing stadiums from across the internet. Now, you might be thinking that these displays might take more planning than your average halftime show, but trust me: this one is a cinch to put together. To get you prepped for the big game, I’ll walk you through how to assemble our ultimate snack stadium and give you a few tips on the best snacks to pack the stands!
How to Build a Snack Stadium at Home
When I say building this stadium is simple, I truly mean it. Though building this super-sized snack stadium does take time, the finished set-up it totally worth it. Plus, the materials are a cinch to find (your local dollar store or Dollar General are great sources!).
Having an outrageous Super Bowl party? Celebrating the first game off the season? You're going to want to kick off your party right with an impressive snack buffet—but not just any buffet: a snack stadium. This spread is impressive, but it's easy to make and doesn't require any hard-to-find supplies. Just a few basics and you're ready to host a party that will have the crowd going wild.
Patchwork Quilt Cake as a Football Field; Snack Stadium
Next, you'll build the upper-level boxes. (Think of these as your stadium's private suites!) You can do this by gluing a loaf tin to two overturned plastic cups. Again, you'll need one for each side of the stadium. Need a glue gun? Grab one for about $5!
Patchwork Quilt Cake as a Football Field; Snack Stadium
3. Create soda box stands
To make your stands, you'll need a ruler, leftover soda boxes and a little patience. Grab a single soda box and make a mark 7¾" from the end of the box. This divides the box in half exactly. Then make another mark 3" from the end of either side. This marks the front, lower section of your stands. Then draw a diagonal line between the two (the photo above gives you a good idea of how this should look). Mirror this on the opposite side.
Patchwork Quilt Cake as a Football Field; Snack Stadium
4. Cut the soda boxes to size
With everything marked exactly, use a sharp scissors or craft knife to cut along these lines. To have enough boxes for your stadium, you'll need to cut up eight boxes (for 16 stands total). This is a great project to do while catching up on your favorite shows—these are our favorite foodie-centric ones from Netflix.
Patchwork Quilt Cake as a Football Field; Snack Stadium
5. Pick your wrapping paper
The next step is to wrap these soda box stands with craft paper. We used plain paper, here but feel free to substitute wrapping paper to match your favorite teams. Before you start wrapping, measure out 15¼" by 17¼" rectangles of paper. This is the precise size you need to easily wrap the boxes (our crafting experts found that using bigger sheets or just eyeballing the paper size made wrapping much harder, so don’t skip this step!).
6. Wrap each box like a present
Then you’ll wrap this box much like a gift, using tape to keep things secure. When you get to the raw edges, simply fold your paper inward and finish with a bit of tape. In the end, it should look fairly finished and wrapped just like a gift. If you're short on time, you can always skip this wrapping step (but it makes the end product look extra polished!).
Patchwork Quilt Cake as a Football Field; Snack Stadium
7. Line the interior
Once wrapped, our Test Kitchen strongly recommends lining the cardboard boxes with a napkin (waxed or parchment paper would work well, too) to keep your food from touching the packaging (you never know what sort of environments those cartons were in prior to getting home). To do this, simply fold the napkin to sit inside the box and fix inside with a few dabs of hot glue.
Snack Stadium DIY
8. Add the finishing touches
To give these boxes a totally finished look, grab a handful of straws (paper ones work great here!) and give them a slice up the middle. Then cuff around each of the raw edges of the box and trim to size. These should stay put, but feel free to add a bead of glue along the edge of the box to keep them secure.
Patchwork Quilt Cake as a Football Field; Snack Stadium
9. Assemble the towers
This snack stadium is just a little bit fancy—the exterior is finished with four towers (to hold more snacks, of course!). Making these is quick and easy. You'll need eight plastic cups and two disposable bowls. To make the towers, simply glue two cups together using a hot glue gun, bottom to bottom. Repeat four times. Take two of your towers and glue two disposable bowls into the mouth of the cup. These bowls are perfect to hold veggies and crowd-pleasing dips.
Patchwork Quilt Cake as a Football Field; Snack Stadium
10. Putting it all together
Now with all your pieces and parts prepped, it’s time to assemble. Place a sheet cake (or baking sheet) in the center of your kitchen table. At the short end, place two half-size pans which serve as the end zones. With those in place, place the short skyboxes at the 50-yard line and the taller ones behind them. Then place your soda box stands around the entire perimeter (there should be two on the short ends and six on the longer ends), curving slightly at the corners. Add the towers between the stands. Note: Every product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
What to Fill Your Stadium With
Now, let’s get on to the part you’ve been waiting for… the snacks! Of course, when it comes to your own snack stadium, you can fill it to the brim with all of your favorite Super Bowl treats, but we’ve got a few suggestions for a great game day spread.
Patchwork Quilt Cake as a Football Field; Snack Stadium
Just like in real life, all eyes are on the field. To make this snack stadium really pop, you need a centerpiece-style spread in the center. Though we’ve seen people make fields out of guacamole or green serving trays, we love the idea of the centerpiece of your stadium being a show-stopping cake.
The bright green frosting and clean yard lines—not to mention our gumdrop players (add in the colors of your favorite teams!)—really make this cake look like the real deal. Pop on a few yellow bendy straws as goalposts and you’re ready for kick-off.
Psst! If you don’t have time for an entire snack stadium, this cake is a great centerpiece on its own!
The snack stadium deserves its fair share of savory treats, too. We packed the end zones full of spiraled tortilla roll-ups and spinach and turkey pinwheels. These pack all the flavors of your favorite sandwiches, but are easier to make for a crowd.
Patchwork Quilt Cake as a Football Field; Snack Stadium
If you ask me, it’s not a party without a few good dips. We filled the skyboxes full of fresh salsa and beer cheese dip. These two go head to head in the good vs. good-for-you games (I think it’s a tie between these two recipes).
Patchwork Quilt Cake as a Football Field; Snack Stadium
For those craving something sweet, a few of these boxes are filled with candies and football cookies. If you can’t muster through all the sweets, these boxes make adorable to-go gifts. Wrap them up with plastic wrap at the end of the game and send your pals home with something sweet!
To compliment those delicious dips, you need lots of nibbles. We’re in favor of filling the stands with snack-aisle favorites like pretzels, crackers and chips.
Pro tip: Don’t go it alone! Draft your friends and family to bring their favorite snack to help fill the stadium.
Patchwork Quilt Cake as a Football Field; Snack Stadium
If you have time to spare, try filling your stands with zesty snack mix and seasoned crackers. They’re perfect for munching during commercials.
Patchwork Quilt Cake as a Football Field; Snack Stadium
This snack stadium isn’t all about indulgence (though much of it is!). On the exterior towers, we filled disposable dishes with a creamy dill dip and packed plastic cups full of veggie sticks.
In the end, this Super Bowl snack stadium is such a fun and festive way to celebrate—though this would work for other big games like the Rose Bowl or even homecoming! Filled with treats and sweets, this stadium is a one-stop stop for game day snackers.
I've been told by fellow party-goers that this recipe tastes exactly like a jalapeno popper. I like that it can be made without much fuss. —Ariane McAlpine, Penticton, British Columbia Get Recipe
Hot wings got their start in Buffalo, New York, in a kitchen. Although there was no game on at the time, today spicy wings and cool sauces are traditional game-day fare. Cayenne, red sauce and spices keep these tangy buffalo chicken wings good and hot, just like the originals. —Nancy Chapman, Center Harbor, New Hampshire
It's game time when these mini sausage sliders make an appearance. Two things my husband loves—beer and brats—get stepped up a notch with crunchy flavored chips. —Kirsten Shabaz, Lakeville, Minnesota
After trying a similar dish at a local restaurant, I came up with my own version of pizza bites. This delicious recipe is easy and fun for potlucks or parties. —Sarah Gilbert, Beaverton, Oregon
Take your game-day snack to a new level with this bacon guacamole. The bacon adds crisp, rich texture, while the cotija makes your guac extra creamy. If you’re feeling bold, use applewood smoked bacon for a more complex flavor profile. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
I need only five ingredients to fix these easy appetizers. My grape jelly and ketchup meatballs make an appearance at almost every potluck and party. —Janet Anderson, Carson City, Nevada
This easy puppy chow recipe uses a whole package of cereal, so there's less messy measuring. And it makes enough to feed a hungry crowd. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
My neighbor once shared these slow-cooker sticky chicken wings with me at a potluck, and they have been a family favorite ever since. —Jo Vanderwolf, Lillooet, British Columbia
When you need a finger food ASAP, try this delicious take on deviled eggs. An incorporation of a classic brunch drink, it's perfect for any brunch party. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Longing for that Buffalo wing thing without the bones? This do-ahead dip freezes well in individual containers, so you can pull them out when you want to spread a little cheer. —Brenda Calandrillo, Mahwah, New Jersey
These meatball sliders are a fun way to serve meatballs at your party without using a slow cooker. Made on mini Hawaiian rolls, they have a hint of sweetness to balance out all the wonderful Italian seasonings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
A group of us in a foods class developed this recipe for the North Dakota's annual Beef Bash. We won the contest, and now my family requests this dip for all our special gatherings! —Jessica Klym, Killdeer, North Dakota
A Taste of Home recipe inspired this one! Because I love everything bagel seasoning, I decided to give this a try. A friend later suggested I make the mix more versatile with something other than oyster crackers, and now it's a deliciously addictive snack! —Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida—Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida
My son loves football! For his eighth birthday, I made cake pops with a rich chocolate cake center and a yummy peanut butter coating. These are sure to be winners at parties, bake sales and sports-watching events.
—Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, WV
The recipe for this creamy, chili-style dish was passed down through our church years ago. It's so warm and filling that we often prepare it when we take skiing trips to Colorado. It can be served over corn chips and eaten with a fork...or kept warm in a slow cooker and served as a hearty dip at parties.
-Laurie Withers, Wildomar, California
I'm particularly fond of these tasty mozzarella sticks because they're baked, not fried. Cheese is one of my family's favorite foods. Being of Italian descent, I cook often with ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. —Mary Merchant, Barre, Vermont
Dried cherries are the sweet surprise alongside the savory ingredients in these delightfully different spirals. I roll up the tortillas and pop them in the fridge well before party time, and then I just slice and serve. —Kate Dampier, Quail Valley, California
My brother moved to New Orleans and I love visiting him and his family whenever I can. These easy jalapeno poppers are stuffed with crab, cajun seasonings and bacon. They're a little hot and spicy, just like a visit to New Orleans! —Elizabeth Lubin, Huntington Beach, California
We host an annual Christmas party, and I whip up a new menu item every year. These golden chicken and bacon appetizers were an absolute hit. —Annette Fecht, Sorrento, British Columbia
While visiting a friend who had just moved to St. Louis, Missouri, I tried these toasted ravioli at almost every restaurant! When I got home, I had to try to replicate them, and this recipe comes pretty close. —Cristina Carrera, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Our pastor made this for a get-together, and my husband and I just couldn't stay away from the hors d'oeuvres table. The cheesy slices taste great served warm, but they're still wonderful when they've cooled slightly. —Krysten Johnson, Simi Valley, California
Just three offbeat ingredients add up to one unique, delectable, no-bake treat. These super-easy, sweet-and-salty candy clusters make for merry munching during holiday trips or parties. They travel well in containers without melting or getting soft. —Donna Brockett, Kingfisher, Oklahoma
With just four ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry or fridge, this quick appetizer comes together in a snap. If you like the zip of horseradish, start with a teaspoon or two and add more to taste. —Isabelle Rooney, Summerville, South Carolina
Jerky is a portable, chewy snack. You can make your own with our recipe. The meat has a savory flavor and a bit of heat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
Low-carb cauliflower Buffalo bites cook up fast in the air fryer, making them an easy snack or side dish. I serve them with a flavorful dip made with cottage cheese that's packed with protein compared to most dips. My teenagers happily eat their veggies with this recipe. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
My next-door neighbor shared this recipe with me, and I simply cannot improve it! You can make it ahead and cook it quickly when company arrives. The combo of poppy seeds, ham and cheese, horseradish and brown sugar makes it so delicious. —Iris Weihemuller, Baxter, Minnesota
You can easily whip up this creamy, spicy and salty dip. I love dips for parties in the slow cooker—just turn the slow cooker to low once it is cooked and let your guests help themselves. No need to worry about the dip getting cold and having to reheat it. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Every party needs a big bowl of snack mix! No one that I’ve made this for can have just one handful—they always come back again and again!
—Tammy Landry, Saucier, MS
These zippy chicken chimi bites bring a little heat to any fiesta. Serve them on their own as appetizers, or with rice and black beans for a satisfying meal. —Erika Monroe-Williams, Scottsdale, Arizona
Because avocados can brown quickly, it’s best to make this guacamole just before serving. If you have to make it a little in advance, place the avocado pit in the guacamole until ready to serve. —Heidi Main, Anchorage, AK
These pinwheels come together quickly when you start with leftover taco meat. They make an appealing party appetizer served with salsa, or a fun lunch option with a salad on the side. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
I started preparing these mini burgers several years ago as a creative way to use up bread crusts accumulating in my freezer. They're delicious. —Linda Lane, Bennington, Vermont
Grated Parm, shredded mozzarella, cream cheese, mayo and butter make this dip as decadent as it gets. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
I created these after Halloween, when I had way too much candy left over. You can make them with any mini chocolate candy, but if you use peanut butter cups, throw them in the freezer just before unwrapping so the chocolate won’t stick to the paper. —Tara John, Plymouth, Minnesota
I was inspired to turn original spanakopita into a hand-held hors d'oeuvre. I use wonton wrappers in place of phyllo dough, and now these are the biggest hit among my friends. —Jade Randall, Las Vegas, Nevada
Years ago, I found a version of this sausage and meatballs recipe in a cookbook. At first taste, my family judged it a keeper. The tangy, saucy meatballs are requested by our friends whenever I host card night. We also take the yummy dish on camping trips. —Marybell Lintott, Vernon, British Columbia
I've tried assorted appetizers before, but this one is a surefire people-pleaser. The thick bacon cheese dip has lots of flavor and keeps my guests happily munching as long as it lasts. I serve it with tortilla chips or sliced French bread. —Suzanne Whitaker, Knoxville, Tennessee
When it's too difficult to take along root beer floats on a picnic, take these cookies instead! I've found the flavor is even better the next day. The hard part is convincing my family to wait that long before sampling them.—Violette Bawden, West Valley City, Utah
My mom introduced me to this ham pickle pinwheels appetizer a number of years ago, and I've been making them for parties ever since. They are easy to make and are always well received by guests. —Gloria Jarrett, Loveland, Ohio
While it looks complicated, this attractive meatball-filled ring is really very easy to assemble. My family loves tacos, and we find that the crescent roll dough is a nice change from the usual tortilla shells or chips. There are never any leftovers when I serve this at a meal or as a party appetizer!
—Brenda Johnson, Davison, Michigan
Dig in to this rich, warm one-skillet dip, topped with fresh tomato and green onions, and enjoy the gooey cheese and spicy kick from the chorizo and pepper jack. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
I like to set out bowls of spiced nuts when hosting holiday parties. Sometimes I stir in M&M's to make it a sweet and salty snack. —Jill Matson, Zimmerman, Minnesota
This is one of our entertaining mainstays. It complements most meals and is so easy to prepare and dress up with a variety of garnishes. —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York
I came up with this recipe when I was preparing for a large party and I wanted a healthy Tex-Mex chicken to serve in tortilla cups. You can make this party dish ahead of time to free yourself for time-sensitive dishes. Serve it in tortilla chip cups or any other savory crispy cup you like. Enjoy leftovers over salad greens or wrapped up in tender tortillas for burritos. — Lori Terry, Chicago, Illinois
??These mini cheese balls are perfect for any gathering, no matter what time of year it is! Kids love the cheesy, salty flavor, and adults appreciate how easy they are to make. —Carole Lanthier, Courtice, Ontario
Like deep-fried pickles? You’ll love this version even more. Dill pickle slices are coated with panko bread crumbs and spices, then air-fried until crispy. Dip them in ranch dressing for an appetizer you won’t soon forget. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Prepare these easy, cheesy rollups several days in advance if desired. Serve with your choice of mild or hot salsa or picante sauce. —Barbara Keith, Faucett, Missouri
I modified a nachos recipe I found, and my family loves it! It is now a regular at all of our parties or any time we're craving nachos. —Denise Wheeler, Newaygo, Michigan
The variety of tomatoes, onions and peppers makes this chunky salsa so good. Whenever I try to take a batch to a get-together, it's hard to keep my family from finishing it off first! It's a super snack with tortilla chips or as a relish with meat. —Connie Siese, Wayne, Michigan
Quesadillas have never tasted so good as when they are filled with slightly sweet onions and peppers and topped with lime butter and salt, the perfect balance of sweet and savory. This version is the perfect recipe for a summer party—or a great way to bring a little bit of summer into the cold winter months. —Stephanie Bright, Simpsonville, South Carolina
This slider recipe was created by accident when we had a surplus of root beer from a party. Now we can't have barbecue any other way! —Eden Dranger, Los Angeles, California
One of my favorite slow cooker recipes is this impressive buffalo chicken egg rolls appetizer. You can wrap the filling in egg roll wraps and bake, or, for a bite-size version, use smaller won ton wraps. —Tara Odegaard, Omaha, Nebraska
I love this recipe because I usually have the ingredients on hand and it is so easy to prepare. It's one of those snacks that makes guests think you've gone the extra mile. —Pauline Porterfield, Roxboro, North Carolina
For a simple hot snack that really hits the spot on a cool fall evening, put together a plate of these crisp potato skins. —Andrea Holcomb, Torrington, Connecticut
Score big with your guests with a little bit of sweet heat! This recipe works well for a football party—the extra liquid in the slow cooker keeps the chicken nice and juicy all day long. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Just by using different types of beans, you can make this dip as spicy as you like it. My family could eat this as a complete meal. —Jeanne Shear, Sabetha, Kansas
These chewy peanut butter chocolate bars are the perfect no-fuss contribution to a potluck or bake sale. I've discovered the trick is to get them into the refrigerator to set up before they disappear! —Lorri Speer, Centralia, Washington
I count on my slow cooker to do the honors when I have a house full of summer guests. Teenagers especially love DIY nachos. Try cola, ginger ale or lemon-lime soda if you’re not into root beer. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
There’s no faster way to get a party started than with these bacon jalapeno poppers. Make them ahead and bake just before serving. Even the hot pepper intolerant will love them. —Dawn Onuffer, Crestview, Florida
With the classic combo of ham and cheese, this spread is a year-round favorite at our house. For football parties, shape the mixture into a football and add strips of Swiss for the laces. —Michele Moore, Mooresville, Indiana
Not only are these a perfect mid-morning or afternoon snack at work, they're perfect for hungry kids just home from school. Plus, they make for fantastic party food! —Carrie Shaub, Mount Joy, Pennsylvania
I created this dish to fill two pans because these cheeseburger sliders disappear fast. Just cut the slider burgers recipe in half if you want to make only one batch. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
This is a wonderful fast-to-fix munchie. The recipe makes tons and doesn't involve any cooking. It's a cinch to package in individual snack bags, it keeps its crunch and it's a savory alternative to the cakes and pies usually offered at bake sales. —Linda Murphy, Pulaski, Wisconsin
Game day calls for something bold. I top potato chips with tomatoes, bacon and tangy blue cheese. I make two big pans, and they always disappear. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Ranch dressing mix flavors this easy dip packed with shredded cheese. It's perfect paired with pretzels. Be forewarned, though—it's hard to stop eating once you've started! The beer cheese dip can be made with any type of beer, including nonalcoholic. I've taken it to many parties and I am always asked for the recipe. —Michelle Long, New Castle, Colorado
These buffalo chicken poppers combine the flavor of hot wings and jalapeño appetizers to make a snack greater than the sum of their parts. —Barbara Nowakowski, Mesa, Arizona
Whenever I go to an event, I'm always asked to bring this hot dip. Five types of cheese make it a standout and oh-so delicious. I love its party-ready convenience— I serve it straight from the slow cooker, so set-up and clean-up are a breeze! —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
My husband often travels during the week, and this fast-to-fix microwave peanut butter fudge recipe is perfect for just my 2-year-old and me. —Lori Brow, Manhattan, Illinois.
This taco dip is actually a combination of several different recipes I received from friends. I just experimented until I came up with my favorite. It's always a hit, no matter where I take it. —Faye Parker, Bedford, Nova Scotia
Any round loaf works as a serving bowl for this cream-cheesy dip, with spinach, cheddar, water chestnuts and, yes, bacon. Scoop the dip with the extra bread and veggies—then eat the bowl! —Frieda Meding, Trochu, Alberta
I make these spicy appetizers for parties and football games and never have any leftovers. The hot wings contrast nicely with the cool but zippy dip. When the wings run out, we use the extra cilantro dip on tortilla chips. —Barbara McConaughey, Houlton, Wisconsin
My husband and our friends and family love these soft, chewy pretzels. Let the bread machine mix the dough, then all you have to do is shape and bake these fun snacks. —Sherry Peterson, Fort Collins, Colorado
This slightly spicy dip cleverly captures the flavor of buffalo chicken wings. Using canned chicken adds to the convenience. —Allyson, DiLascio, Saltsburg, Pennsylvania
I like giving spiced nuts as holiday gifts. This slow cooker recipe with ginger and cinnamon is so good, you just might use it all year long. —Yvonne Starlin, Westmoreland, Tennessee
Lisa is an associate editor at Taste of Home where she gets to embrace her passion for baking. She pours this love of all things sweet (and sometimes savory) into Bakeable, Taste of Home's baking club. At home, you'll find her working on embroidery and other crafts.