Eat Cali BBQ and other great local San Diego food at SDSU Mission Valley Stadium

Cali BBQ Media Founder Shawn P. Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) is a San Diego native who loves sports almost as much as his hometown.
When it came time to select the food vendors for the new Snapdragon Stadium, a brand new multipurpose stadium and home of the San Diego State Aztecs football team, Shawn and his entire team at Cali BBQ were incredibly grateful to be included.
“We have been training for 15 years for this,” Shawn said about Cali BBQ being served in the new stadium.
On August 20, Snapdragon Stadium held its first preseason football game. Albeit a scrimmage, Cali BBQ was in midseason form in the stadium’s north stand. The first official game was Sept. 3, 2022.
“We can’t wait to serve San Diego sports fans, event fans, and concert fans,” says Shawn Walchef.
The Cali BBQ stadium location provides stadium-goers with an array of slow-smoked barbecue options, including popular items like smoked pork ribs and brisket (which you can watch being made on social media). The menu is rounded out with classic BBQ sandwich options and sides, as well as flavorful wings from Cali Wings, with a variety of flavors to try.
@calibbq Racks on Racks fam 🍖 🐷 #calibbqmedia #bbqtiktok #ribs
♬ The Banjo Beat, Pt. 1 – Ricky Desktop
Slow Food — Fast
“Slow Food — Fast” is the slogan that Walchef and company employ to personify their thesis of Digital Hospitality, and that will remain intact in Snapdragon stadium as they set a goal of having fans and event goers enjoy great food without having to miss what they bought tickets to enjoy.
“We don’t want people waiting in long lines like you typically do for barbecue,” explains Shawn of Cali BBQ’s plans for serving slow-smoked barbecue quickly and easily. “We want to get barbecue to your seats.”

Cali BBQ is one of ten inaugural hospitality partners at Snapdragon Stadium that are all near and dear to the hearts of San Diego residents. Food options at the SDSU Mission Valley Stadium include Batch & Box, Best Pizza and Brew, Cali BBQ, The Crack Shack, Everbowl, Gaglione Brothers, Hodad’s, Sandbar, Tarantino’s, and The Taco Stand.

“These are brands that I grew up admiring, grew up loving. The fact that now we’re friends in this hospitality circle is really exciting!”
@calibbq Does your brand roll like this all over your city ?? #calibbqmedia #bbqtiktok #ribs
♬ So Fly (J. Period Remix) – Nate Dogg
What to Eat at Snapdragon Stadium
With a focus toward the San Diego’s robust food palate, Snapdragon Stadium is home to ten inaugural hospitality partners with deep-rooted ties to the San Diego community. are all featured food partners providing unparalleled dining options in our new home stadium.
Snapdragon Stadium’s hospitality partners are represented in 30 unique neighborhoods across San Diego.
The Crack Shack
San Diego Locations: Encinitas; Little Italy
Speciality: Fried chicken and egg fare
The Taco Stand
San Diego Locations: Downtown; Encinitas; La Jolla; North Park
Speciality: Authentic handmade tacos
Hodad’s
San Diego Locations: Downtown; Ocean Beach
Speciality: World’s greatest burgers
Best Pizza and Brewing
San Diego Locations: Cardiff; Mira Mesa; Oceanside; Vista
Speciality: Pizza by San Diegans, for San Diegans
Cali BBQ
San Diego Locations: Barrio Logan; Spring Valley
Speciality: Slow-cooked San Diego BBQ
Gaglione Bros
San Diego Locations: Mission Valley; Point Loma
Speciality: Famous steaks and subs
Batch & Box
San Diego Locations: Del Mar
Speciality: Extraordinary cookie experiences
Everbowl
San Diego Locations: Carlsbad; Carmel Valley; Downtown – Petco Park; Elijio Hills; Encinitas; Escondido; Mission Valley; Oceanside; Pacific Highlands Ranch; Poway; Rancho Bernardo; Rancho Penasquitos; San Marcos; Santee; Scripps Ranch; SDSU; Tierrasanta
Speciality: Craft acai bowls + superfood
Sandbar Sports Bar & Grill
San Diego Locations: Mission Beach
Speciality: Authentic SoCal food and culture
Tarantino
San Diego Locations: Otay Mesa
Speciality: Gourmet sausages
Other Choices:
Michelob Ultra Classics (fan favorite food)
The Market (cold beer, drinks, snacks, and more)
Locals Only (San Diego craft beer tap stands)
Snap-O-Razzzo Hot Dogs (old school hot dogs)
Lemonade Orchard (drinks)
Food trucks (rotating roster of San Diego food trucks)
