KFC Yum! Center serves special March Madness meals for the Sweet 16

While the teams are dreaming of moving onto the Elite Eight, the fans attending the Sweet 16 games at the KFC Yum! Center might be cheering for the special March Madness food offerings. The Sodexo Live culinary team has created four special dishes that will have everyone in Louisville hungry. Will fans vote for a favorite with their team or choose the boldest flavor option?

The four special menu items are in honor of University of Alabama, Princeton University, San Diego State University, and Creighton University. Even though this year’s tournament has been filled with upsets, this food definitely scores a win.

According to Carmen Callo, SVP Corporate Executive Chef, Sodexo Live!, “It’s going to be a thrilling weekend in Louisville, and with so many fans heading to the KFC Yum! Center from around the country to cheer on their favorite teams, we thought it’d be fun to get creative in the kitchen and put a few specialty items on the menu inspired by the visiting teams’ cities. The fans are sure to enjoy these over some great March Madness basketball, just as much as we enjoyed creating them.”

KFC Yum Center March Madness Menu, photo provided by Sodexo Live /

Here’s the March Madness menu at the KFC Yum Center.

Bama Sandwich (inspired by the University of Alabama): pulled chicken, white BBQ sauce, deep fried pickles on a potato bun
Tiger Sandwich (inspired by Princeton University): classic Italian, white onion, tomato, red wine vinaigrette, filone roll
Aztec Mac (inspired by San Diego State University): white cheddar mac & cheese, cajun chicken thighs, elote corn salad
Blue Jay Mac (inspired by Creighton University): white cheddar mac & cheese, char smoked brisket, BBQ sauce, pickled onions

Looking at each menu item, the ingredient reference to the school’s locale is clear. Alabama is known for its white BBQ sauce. While the deep fried pickles offering a contrasting texture, this sandwich is all about that sauce. Luckily, the potato bun should keep all that flavor intact.

The Aztex Mac might be the most flavorful option on the menu. Kudos to the chefs for using the robust flavor of chicken thighs in this dish. While the elote helps to lift the flavors, it is a well composed bite. Some people might borrow this idea for the mac and cheese at home.

Lastly, the idea of pickled onions on a mac and cheese is quite interesting. While the smoky BBQ flavors might be the star, that punch of acid will be remembered.

The special March Madness menu is available at the KFC Yum Center. Check with the location for pricing and availability.