At Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, the excitement isn’t just on the ice or the stage—it’s also on every plate. Chef Juan Hurtado, born and raised in Greater Palm Springs, brings a taste of home to arena dining. Inspired by the cooking of his mother and grandmother, Hurtado treats the arena like his own kitchen, crafting dishes that feel familiar yet exciting.
This season brings fresh flavors, local restaurant collaborations and new concepts to the arena, while keeping plenty of fan favorites in the mix. From classic favorites to dishes inspired by Greater Palm Springs’ rich culinary heritage, there’s something to look forward to whether you’re catching a Firebirds game, Lakers game or concert.
This season, the arena’s menu reaches a whole new level with fresh offerings that blend game-day favorites with local flavors celebrating the Greater Palm Springs’ rich culinary heritage.
The new food and beverage concession stand Orale, brings a new menu featuring a Carne Asada Burrito, Veggie Quesadilla, Chicken Taquitos and other flavorful dishes. The Birria Torta will be available on the concourse—the main walkway surrounding the seating areas where guests can find many of the arena’s food and beverage stands. A must-try, it’s made with slow-cooked brisket braised in a rich marinade of ancho, pasilla and árbol chiles, served with melted pepper jack cheese, avocado and a spiced consommé for dipping.
New this season, the Hat Trick Nachos for hockey games and Three-Pointer Nachos for Lakers games each feature three different nachos served together in a single vessel.
At French Fry Heavens, Buffalo Chicken Fries deliver a crispy, tangy twist on classic comfort food (and are perfect for sharing).
For those who prefer something classic, the Margherita Pizza at Slice Society and Tanner’s Prime Sliders (crafted with locally sourced Brandt Beef) hit the mark with simple, satisfying flavor.
Suite menu offerings include the Carnitas Sope, which layers tender pork over refried beans, lettuce and fresh pico de gallo, finished with a sprinkle of cilantro for that perfect bite of freshness. For something sweet, Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies and Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies offer an indulgent finish.
Together, these new additions highlight diverse flavors while creating the kind of comfort that keeps fans coming back for more.
This season also brings new ways to experience local flavors depending on the event.
During Firebirds hockey games, Turntables Grill, a specialized food and beverage concept located on the concourse, will feature an exciting lineup of Greater Palm Springs restaurants, including Baby’s Marché, Gabino’s Creperie, Más Tacos CV, The Real Italian Deli and Alkobar, along with several other local favorites. It’s another way to get a taste of the destination while cheering on the home team.
Lakers games will bring their own flavor to Turntables Grill with a special arena concept featuring Steak Frites, Loaded Onion Rings and a Mini Hot Dog Trio, along with a few other fun menu items. Fans can also purchase a custom souvenir container to take a little piece of the experience home.
Since opening Acrisure Arena has proved that game-day dining doesn’t have to be ordinary. Market-style concessions and grab-and-go options cater to every palate, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices.
CV BBQ brings open-pit barbecue from husband-and-wife team Sean and Yvette Smith of Indio. Look for smoked meats and sides, including The Marf, which piles mac and cheese over tri-tip. The restaurant’s popular tri-tip comes from Brandt Beef, adding another local connection to this arena favorite.
At Tanner’s Prime Burgers, premium all-natural smashburgers are made with locally sourced Brandt Beef, located just 82 miles from the arena. The restaurant also serves beef tallow French fries, reflecting Brandt Beef’s focus on sustainable practices and using more of each animal through its head-to-toe program.
Acrisure Arena also hosts portable carts that make it easy to grab a quick bite without missing too much of the action. CV Nachos serves loaded nachos with beef, chicken tinga and an Impossible plant-based choice. E&E Pels Lemonade, a local staple, and KettleMitas Kettle Corn offer even more quick options around the arena.
Quick stops like Shelee’s Grab & Go keep snacks and beverages close at hand, including Melissa’s Clean Snax and Brandini Toffee Popcorn, a hometown treat with a story as sweet as its flavor.
The Oasis, where guests enter the arena, is a great place to visit before and during a concert or Firebirds game. The area offers a wide selection of food and beverages, space to relax in the Toyota Lounge and live music on the City of Indian Wells Second Stage.
At Shaq’s Big Chicken, superstar Shaquille O’Neal brings big flavor to the arena with the fan-favorite M.D.E. sandwich and The Shaqtus, an Acrisure Arena signature topped with pepper jack cheese, pickled jalapeños and Fuego sauce. BC Fries offer a vegan option.
At Pronto Pizza, celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis brings scratch-made “grandma slices” to the arena, with choices such as margherita and sausage and peppers, along with Caesar pasta salad.
For a drink with a resort-inspired feel, head to the outdoor Patio, where specialty Cabana Bars serve frozen cocktails, liquor, wine and beer. Options include the Blue Ice Vodka Bar and Estrella Jalisco Cinco De Mayo Michelada Bar.
Is there vegan or gluten-free food at Acrisure Arena?
While vegan options are limited, there are a few choices to look for around Acrisure Arena. Shaq’s Big Chicken offers vegan BC Fries, while Koko’s Bavarian offers a vegan Bavarian Pretzel and gluten-free French Fries. Guests seeking gluten-free choices can also find Beef Tallow Fries at Tanner’s Prime Burgers.
Where can I get local food at the arena?
Local flavor can be found throughout Acrisure Arena. CV BBQ brings open-pit barbecue from Indio, while Tanner’s Prime Burgers features Brandt Beef sourced just 82 miles from the arena. Fans can also find local names including E&E Pels Lemonade, KettleMitas Kettle Corn and Brandini Toffee.
During Firebirds games, Turntables puts an even bigger spotlight on the destination’s food scene, with local restaurants including Baby’s Marché, Gabino’s, Más Tacos CV, The Real Italian Deli and Alkobar Philly Cheesesteaks among the concepts joining the lineup.
Heading to Acrisure Arena to cheer on the Firebirds? Check out this guide to help you make the most of your game day experience!