Last season I decided I would revisit a few Ballparks within Road Trip distance from my home in Lebanon, PA. It would give me a few days to clear my head and watch some baseball. The first installment of my Ballpark Nerd Retreat, took me to Rogers Centre in Toronto for two one-run games between the Jays and Braves. Tomorrow morning I am headed 502 miles west to Cincinnati for Reds v. Mariners @ Great American Ballpark. My first visit since September 2004 when the Reds lost to the Cubs. There wasn’t much energy in the Ballpark that weekday night; I hope the Mariners and dual Ken Griffey Jr. bobblehead brings out a hardier crowd.
New Food – Part I
“A hotdog at the ballpark is better than a steak at the Ritz.” – Humphrey Bogart
One of the highlights of a new baseball season is reading about new concession items, whether it’s Busch Stadium’s meatballs in a bread cone or Citi Field’s Korean chicken sandwich there is something new for everyone.
Turner Field has added the Burgerizza is a 20-ounce patty, five slices of cheddar and bacon on a bun made of two eight-inch pepperoni pizzas.
Marlins Park – Miami Mex Taco Dog a footlong frank with chili con carne, Monterey Jack cheese, cilantro shaved cabbage, jalapeno-lime aioli and fresh salsa.
Tropicana Field has added the Buffalo Chicken Sliders, Cuban-inspired Hot Dogs and a Fan v. Food Challenge where fans who finish 1 pound of sliced brisket, pulled pork, BBQ chicken wings, macaroni cheese, and French fries win two tickets to a Rays game.
Comerica Park – Brat Pop is a battered, fried bratwurst patty onto a stick. It’s simple and mobile.
I might have to take a trip to Minute Maid Park to try the Sweet Potato Waffle Chicken Sandwich, a grilled chicken breast with greek yogurt, baby spinach and sliced tomatoes on a homemade sweet-potato waffle.
Great American Ballpark introduces the Meat Lovers Dog, a bacon-wrapped hot dog topped with fried salami, pulled pork, queso blanco and pickles. A must have for anyone who wants to test their gastrointestinal fortitude.
Another mobile friendly option is the Chicken and Donut Skewer at Globe Life Park.
The Blue Jays have expanded their poutine menu with Buffalo Cauliflower Poutine, a hat tip to vegetarian fans at the Rogers Centre.
Kaufman Stadium has added the Champions Alley Dog, a bacon wrapped, tempura battered, foot long frank topped with cole slaw and chipotle ketchup on a pretzel bun. Who knows what they would have called it if they had not won the 2015 World Series?
