I posted this advice on the convention thread, but it has settled below Donald Drumpf, the Stammtisch, zoos, and the public accommodations vote.
People asked about lunch in Lowell. THere were comments about bringing a box lunch, as well as the overpriced pretzels you usually find at an arena.
You don't need to eat the cardboard. Forget about a box lunch or $12 pretzels. You are in a foodie paradise!
Lowell is wonderful, and there are so many opportunities for a great lunch within a reasonable walk of the Tsongas Center. Lowell Beer Works (203 Cabot St, Lowell, MA 01854) is a block west of the arena, which is strategically located between the Tsongas Center and the afternoon venue at UMass Lowell.
Slightly more upscale and formal, and in the other direction, is Cobblestones ( 91 Dutton Street, Lowell, MA 01852) which you will pass about a block before arriving at the Tsongas Center. Venturing further into downtown you have many good choices, including vegan-vegetarian at Life Alive (194 Middle Street, Lowell, MA 01852), pizza at TreMonte (44 Palmer Street, Lowell, MA 01852), Mexican at El Potro (124 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01852) and a plethora of Asian including Viet-Thai, across from City Hall (368 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01852) and Blue Taleh (15 Kearney Square, Lowell, MA 01852). I work in Lowell, and have first-hand experience with all of these restaurants (with the exception of Life Alive).
That's just within walking distance of the Arena. Turn on YELP and you will find many more opportunities for a late lunch or early dinner after the sessions.
Oh, yeah, if you are on your way into Lowell and want breakfast, stop at the Owl Diner (244 Appleton Street, Lowell, MA 01852). It is popular with the local political class.
Lowell is a wonderful city, and this is the best convention city to linger in after the convention ends. Enjoy!
…Subway at the corner of Merrimack and Shattuck looks more attractive than arena food.