The Michigan State Spartans faced off against the University of Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025.
A poor product on the field isn’t the only thing upsetting MSU football fans at Spartan Stadium.
In July, MSU switched to a privatized concessions model at all athletic venues, partnering with Levy, a leading food and beverage company that operates in professional and collegiate venues nationwide.
Since, fans have voiced their discontent on social media, in fan forums and through complaints submitted directly to MSU Athletics.
Throughout the season, postgame surveys were sent to fans in attendance, asking them to rate four areas of the gameday experience on a scale of 1 to 5: parking, concession choices, staff helpfulness and in-game entertainment, with a final open-ended question for additional feedback.
The State News filed Freedom of Information Act requests for these Spartan Stadium post-game survey results and more. Inside, complaints from fans span a range of issues, including concessions, staffing, bathrooms and cleanliness.
The survey report found fans were largely displeased with the change in concessions, operational failures, excessive noise and overcrowding along the concourse, but praised the in-game experience with fireworks and improved videoboards. The report went on to summarize the key shortcomings of each game.
Levy’s first game operating Spartan Stadium concessions, the season opener against Western Michigan, did not go well, according to fans. Many reported waiting 20 to 45 minutes, causing them to miss entire quarters of the game.
The document stated that phrases such as "worst in 15, 20, 30 or 40 years" were repeated hundreds of times.
The switch from MSU’s in-house concessions led by local non-profits to Levy was seen as a "massive downgrade."
Across the first four home games against Western Michigan, Boston College, Youngstown St. and UCLA, the average rating of all four areas* was 3.76/5.
Consistently, the question, "How would you rate the food and beverage choices?" yielded the lowest score with an average of 3.2.
Fans described concessions as "cold," "disgusting," "overpriced," and having "mediocre quality," while calling for healthier and more diverse options.
Across multiple games, fans reported struggling to talk to those next to them due to the volume of the PA system. Fans described the volume as "painful" and "deafening."
After each game, fans called for the modernization of the restrooms. Fans described them as "disgusting," "outdated," and "flooded."
There was an outpour of negative responses in the survey results; however, many fans noted positive changes from last season.
The new use of fireworks, improved videoboards and in-game lights were hailed as the biggest positives throughout the first four home games, with many attributing the changes to Batt.
Among other reported issues at Spartan Stadium, students issued complaints about the removal of combo exchange items, a popular student meal deal offering a hot dog, water and popcorn included in a student’s tuition.
The survey report read, "Students and families lamented the removal of Combo X-Change options" and "BRING BACK COMBOS."
According to Levy’s contract with MSU, Levy is required to make an $8 million investment in the concession's facilities of venues. In the first year of the concession transition, Levy began using new equipment to reduce wait times and began renovations to, "Enhance the existing foodservice facilities to improve their functionality and appearance."
Along with the investment, MSU earns commission on all food and beverage sales at all venues. MSU earns 50% commission on all alcohol sales and 45% on food and non-alcoholic beverages.
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After every home game, Levy is required to send MSU a sales flash report listing the sales of alcohol, food and non-alcoholic beverages as well as premium and suite concessions.
On average $222,479 is made on alcohol sales, half of which goes to MSU and $720,689 is made on concessions in total.
According to Matt Brown of Extra Points, neighboring Big Ten schools make far more on alcohol sales compared to MSU. The University of Michigan makes, on average, $985,266.05 on alcohol, while Indiana University makes, $983,394.00. Western Michigan makes $100,601.29 and Central Michigan earns $47,377.00.
After the Spartans’ win against Western Michigan and widespread concern with concessions, MSU Director of Athletic Communications Matt Larson said in a statement there would be improvements going forward.
"Providing an outstanding gameday experience is a top priority for Michigan State Athletics," Larson said. "MSU Athletics will continue to work with our concessions partner Levy to create an improved experience moving forward."
Now, Larson has issued another statement to The State News.
"Implementing a new concessions partner into Spartan athletics this season, we recognized would be an ongoing process. Weekly surveys allow the opportunity to identify areas for improvement," Larson said. "While the overall results have been very positive, MSU Athletics and Levy continue working to deliver an excellent experience to every fan."
