Quick Answer
Yes, you can bring food into the SNHU Arena in Manchester, NH. Outside food and drink is permitted at most events held at the arena. However, there are some restrictions on what types of food and drink items are allowed. Generally, factory-sealed bottles of water, soft drinks, juice boxes, and snack items like chips, pretzels, candy, and crackers are permitted. Alcohol, coolers, and glass containers are prohibited.
What types of food and drinks are allowed at the SNHU Arena?
The SNHU Arena allows guests to bring in their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages to most events. This policy helps make attending events more affordable for guests.
Here are the guidelines on permitted food and drinks:
- Factory-sealed plastic bottles of water and soft drinks
- Juice boxes
- Snack items such as chips, pretzels, candy, cookies, crackers, and energy bars
- Single-serve yogurt and jello cups
- Fresh fruit such as apples, oranges, bananas, and grapes
- Loaves of bread, buns, bagels, and wraps
- Small amounts of finger foods like carrot sticks, celery sticks, sandwiches, or chicken strips
Food must be brought in clear plastic bags. Guests are limited to one clear bag per person.
Prohibited items
While outside snacks are permitted, there are some restrictions on what types of food and containers are prohibited at the SNHU Arena:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Glass containers
- Cans or metal containers
- Coolers or ice chests
- Thermoses or flasks
- Bulk quantities of food
Guests cannot bring in full meals, like large pizzas, buckets of chicken, or trays of pasta. Food must be snack-size portions.
Are there any events that prohibit outside food and drinks?
While the standard policy is to allow small amounts of outside food and non-alcoholic drinks, some events may prohibit any outside food and drinks.
This includes certain concerts, shows, and private or ticketed events. Rules are determined on an event-by-event basis depending on the promoter or organizer.
Guests should check the venue website and event details prior to arriving to see if any special rules apply. If the event has extra restrictions, food and drinks must be disposed of before entering or they can be taken back to your vehicle.
If no special rules are listed, the standard policy applies and small amounts of snacks and drinks are permitted.
Where can I eat food that I bring into the arena?
Food that is brought into the SNHU Arena can be eaten in the seating areas or concourses. There are no designated dining areas for outside food.
Guests generally eat snacks and meals right from their seats while watching the event. The concourses also provide standing tables and ledges where food can be placed while eating.
Keep in mind that aisles, exits, and stairways should be kept clear. Be courteous when eating your own food by keeping wrappers and trash consolidated.
Can I leave and re-enter the arena if I want to retrieve food from my car?
The SNHU Arena has a no re-entry policy for most events, which means guests are not allowed to exit and then re-enter the venue. This includes leaving to retrieve outside food and drinks from your vehicle in the parking lot.
If you have food stored in your car that you want to eat during the event, make sure to bring it inside with you when you first arrive and enter. Plan ahead so you have everything you need before going through security and ticket scanning.
In rare cases, certain events may allow re-entry with a special stamp or wristband. Check with guest services when you arrive to see if re-entry is allowed for that specific event.
Where can I get food inside the arena if I don’t bring my own?
The SNHU Arena offers a wide range of concession stands and restaurants if you prefer to purchase food and drinks inside the venue.
There are main concession areas on the arena concourse offering typical stadium fare like hot dogs, burgers, nachos, fries, popcorn, peanuts, candy, and soft drinks. These stands accept cash and credit cards.
Several local restaurants also have locations inside SNHU Arena:
- Manchester Chieftain Pubs
- Shorty’s Mexican Roadhouse
- Fratello’s Italian Grille
- Fried dough and lemonade carts
There are also premium concessions in the suites and club areas that have expanded food options.
Alcoholic beverages like beer and wine are available for purchase at concession stands for guests 21 and older.
Are there any restrictions on where I can sit with outside food?
Guests with outside food are permitted to sit anywhere in the general seating areas of the SNHU Arena. You do not have to sit in a special section.
However, there are some seating areas that have restrictions:
- Club and suite seats may prohibit outside food and instead require all food to be purchased in-house
- Floor seats or VIP sections may not allow any food or drinks to protect the performance area
- Premium seats may sell upgraded concession packages that must be used instead of outside food
These rules vary by event. If you have premium tickets in a club, suite, or special section, check with the arena ahead of time to see if outside food is allowed in those areas for your specific event.
In the main bowl, concourse, and general seating areas, you can sit anywhere with your permitted outside snacks.
Does the arena allow you to bring in birthday cakes or treats?
For birthday celebrations or special occasions, the SNHU Arena does allow guests to bring in small dessert items like cakes, cupcakes, or cookies.
A small cake or baked treats for a party of 6-8 people is generally permitted. These items can be brought in clear plastic bags or disposable plastic containers.
Candles, matches, and flame are prohibited for safety reasons. You can bring other decorations like message cards, hats, or tableware.
Large specialty cakes, multiple trays of desserts, or whole birthday spreads are not allowed. These items are best served at home or a restaurant before or after the event.
Be sure to bring disposable plates, utensils, napkins, and candles/lighters to enjoy your treats. Arena staff will not be able to provide these items.
Is there refrigeration available for any food items I bring?
The SNHU Arena unfortunately does not provide any refrigeration or way to keep outside food cold. Since coolers are prohibited, items like deli sandwiches or dips are best enjoyed in snack-size portions that don’t require lengthy refrigeration.
If you want to bring a dish or food that requires refrigeration, consider transporting and storing it in small, disposable insulated bags with ice packs. This allows you to keep items cool for a few hours without needing a hard cooler.
Food that spoils easily is not recommended unless using an insulated cooling method. Ready-to-eat snacks and finger foods will hold up the best at room temperature.
Be sure to consume any perishable foods during the first part of the event or within a safe timeframe after removing from refrigeration.
Where do I dispose of food waste or trash?
Food waste, wrappers, containers, and other trash from permitted outside food can be discarded in the garbage bins located throughout the arena concourses, seating areas, and restrooms.
Please properly dispose of all waste in the appropriate receptacles. Do not leave food scraps or trash in the seating areas.
Arena staff works hard to keep the venue looking clean during and after events, so we appreciate your cooperation in cleaning up after snacks and meals.
If you have a larger amount of waste, you can request trash bags from guest services staff.
Can I bring a reusable water bottle and fill it inside the arena?
Empty reusable water bottles are permitted into the SNHU Arena. Once inside, you can fill up your bottle for free at any of the water fountain stations.
Reusable bottles must be emptied before going through security. They can then be refilled once in the concourse area.
Having an empty reusable bottle allows you to stay hydrated without having to buy drinks, since you can refill it throughout the event for free.
Some acceptable types of empty reusable bottles include:
- Plastic sports water bottles
- Plastic flasks
- Aluminum bottles or thermoses
- Glass bottles
Just remember liquids are not permitted through security. Empty the bottle before entering, then look for water fountains inside to fill up. This policy helps make enjoying events more affordable and environmentally friendly.
What food and drink policies apply to children and infants?
For infants and small children, the venue does allow guests to bring in the following baby items:
- Formula
- Milk/juice in plastic baby bottles
- Baby food in plastic containers
- Small snacks in plastic bags
Diaper bags are also permitted but will be inspected. Changing tables are located in restrooms.
Strollers are allowed but cannot obstruct aisles and exits. Rentals are available if needed.
For older kids and teens, the standard policy applies allowing small amounts of outside food and drinks in disposable containers.
Remember that items like peanuts, candy, and soda may not be suitable for very young children. Use your discretion for what your child can safely consume in the arena environment.
Conclusion
The SNHU Arena allows guests to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages to most events, with just a few rules to follow. These policies make enjoying events more budget-friendly and convenient for fans.
Outside snacks in clear plastic bags, reusable water bottles, and small treats for celebrations are all permitted inside and can be consumed in the general seating areas. Be sure to check ahead for any event-specific restrictions. Dispose of all waste properly to keep the venue clean for everyone to enjoy.
References
SNHU Arena. “Guest Services.” Accessed October 16, 2023. https://www.snhuarena.com/guest-services
SNHU Arena. “FAQs.” Accessed October 16, 2023. https://www.snhuarena.com/faqs
Manchester, NH. “SNHU Arena.” Accessed October 16, 2023. https://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/SNHU-Arena