FC Dallas opens the 2024 Major League Soccer season Saturday at Toyota Stadium in Frisco. They host the San Jose Earthquakes at 7:30 p.m.
This year, FC Dallas will be using a new security system as fans enter Toyota Stadium. Evolv Express will screen fans and staff at all entrances.
Instead of passing through a metal detector, Evolv Express uses sensors and artificial intelligence to determine if metal in someone's pocket is harmless or a weapon. The system allows people to keep walking instead of stopping to empty their pockets.
“Increasingly, MLS decision makers – myself and my colleagues included - are strategizing about how to optimize the fan experience. We had the opportunity to see the difference Evolv makes with the events in December, and we’re very excited to join other MLS and Texas teams that are using Express to enhance experience while upleveling safety," Nick Shafer, vice president of stadium operations for FC Dallas and Toyota Stadium wrote in an email.
Evolv Express launched in 2019 and is currently used by three other MLS clubs as well as the Houston Astros, Texans and Rockets.
Once inside Toyota Stadium, fans can try seven new dishes at concessions stands:
The Cheesy Chipotle Bacon Foot-Long
Grilled footlong beef hot dog topped with warm cheddar queso, smokey chipotle mayo and crispy bacon.
Location: Everything’s Bigger in Texas
The Texas Monster Dog
Grilled Texas-style footlong beef hot dog topped with house-smoked BBQ brisket, Texas chili, cheddar cheese, pickled jalapeños and crispy onions.
Location: Everything’s Bigger in Texas
Kicking Chicken
Golden fried chicken wings tossed in a choice of Smokey and Sweet BBQ Sauce, Casa M Lemon Pepper Dry Rub (featuring Casa M Free Range Spice) or Buffalo Sauce. Location: Burgers & More.
Backyard BBQ Tacos
House-smoked BBQ pulled-pork tacos topped with tangy cilantro chipotle slaw. Location: Tex-Mex Q
Authentic Chicken Tinga Nacho
Braised chicken tinga topped with creamy queso blanco, refried beans, pickled jalapeños, fresh cilantro and a lime wedge.
Location: Winners Club
Buffalo Roasted Cauliflower Bowl
Crisp romaine lettuce topped with sharp cheddar, spiced chickpeas, fire-roasted corn, pickled jalapeños, fresh cilantro and house-made ranch.
Location: Winners Club
Key Lime Pie Parfait
Key West Key lime cheesecake with graham cracker crust, topped with whipped cream. Location: Winners Club
Legends Chef Erika Dabney says her crew works through the offseason to develop new items.
"That's what I love about creating these menu items for Toyota Stadium," she says. "There are so many things I can build off when it comes to making the items because Texas is rich in culture."
The Cheesy Chipotle Bacon Foot-Long and Texas Monster Dog join the Monster Taco at the "Everything's Bigger in Texas" stand. Dabney says the Monster Taco grew in popularity last year as more people heard about it online.
"They love taking pictures with the big items, and it is something the family can enjoy," she says. "You can buy one and everyone can get a taste."
Dabney says Legends does enjoy creating outrageous dishes that might draw attention on social media, but she says the items that will draw repeat customers have to taste good.
"We pay attention to the feedback from our fans and the things they want to see in a stadium, the ingredients they want to see," she says.
Dabney says dishes like Authentic Chicken Tinga Nacho or Backyard BBQ Tacos can introduce visitors from other MLS cities to Texas culture. She says they also want that food to feel familiar for local fans.
"That's where the Chicken Tinga idea came from," she says. "That's a favorite in Texas, so we wanted to bring their mother's kitchen into the stadium so they can enjoy the nacho."
Items introduced last year that are returning:
The Monster Taco
Famous and scrumptious, one pound of barbacoa, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and hot sauce inside a crispy fried flour shell.
Location: Everything’s Bigger in Texas
Parmesan Truffle Fries
A classic match-day favorite featuring crispy fried russet potatoes with parmesan and truffle oil.
Location: Burgers & More
Chicken Tenders
Crispy fried chicken breast tenders with plenty of ketchup or honey mustard sauce for dipping.
Location: Burgers & More
The Classic FC Dallas Cheeseburger
Griddle-grilled beef greatness topped with cheese and garden-fresh lettuce, tomato and onion on a fresh-baked sesame bun.
Location: Burgers & More
Casa M Elote
Fresh corn on the cob featuring Casa M Kick Start seasoning, smothered in cotija and chipotle mayo, topped with hot sauce and fresh cilantro, served with a fresh lime wedge.
Location: Tex-Mex Q
Vegan Tenders
Crispy plant-based chicken tenders with house made vegan honey mustard dipping sauce.
Location: Burgers & More
XL Ice Cream Sandwich
Eighteen ounces of vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two Texas-sized homemade chocolate chip cookies.
Location: Everything’s Bigger in Texas
Fresh Fruit Pineapple Bowl
Fresh fruit served inside of a halved pineapple.
Location: Everything’s Bigger in Texas
Funnel Fries with Cherry Sauce
Fresh twist on the beloved classic funnel cake with fresh fried funnel cake sticks, topped with powdered sugar and sweet cherry dipping sauce.
Location: Burgers & More
Tickets for Saturday's match are still available. In 2023, FC Dallas averaged 18,244 fans a game.
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