In Milwaukee, James Nelson noted the Brewers on Wednesday "showed off their revamped concession stands -- with a heavy emphasis on local eateries and beverages." The Brewers said that the $20M concession makeover is the "largest upgrade that has been made" to the 16-year-old Miller Park. The team said that the project includes 11 "new concession stands." The renovations were "paid for by the Brewers and Delaware North." The new concession stands "feature familiar area restaurants including Zaffiro's Pizza, AJ Bombers, Smoke Shack, and Holey Moley doughnuts." The restaurants are "operated by Hospitality Democracy." Brewers COO Rick Schlesinger said the team was "a little late to the party, quite frankly," noting there were "a lot of changes to the ballpark in one year" (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 3/30).
EAT LOCAL: In Tampa, Laura Reiley noted the Rays have taken Outback Steakhouse off the concession menus and instead will celebrate "indigenous foods" and partner with "local businesses." Urban Restaurant Group Owner Andy Salyard, whose local chain of restaurants will be featured at Tropicana Field, will be "presenting highlights from his different concepts, with items like chicken fried ribs and fried chicken in a waffle cone with maple drizzle." For the second year in a row, St. Petersburg's Green Bench Brewing has "created an exclusive beer" for the ballpark. This year the brewery will "debut 4-Seam American Lager" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 3/28).
FAST FOOD: In Philadelphia, Michael Klein noted the Phillies will "usher in a new era at Citizens Bank Park as Aramark rolls out self-ordering kiosks behind Section 126, behind home plate." At Zoom Food fans will "swipe their credit cards at color-coded kiosks in front of the concession stand." Once the transaction is complete, they "take the receipt to a pick-up area, where they receive their order." They can "self-serve their own soda or pick up a beer from a designated beer-only window." Also new this season, Primo Hoagies will have an "outlet at the ballpark, behind Section 148 in dead center in Ashburn Alley" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 3/28).
SURF'S UP: The Dodgers have added King's Hawaiian Grill to the lineup of dining options at Dodgers Stadium for the '17 season. The Grill will be located in the left field plaza. King's Hawaiian also has partnered with former MLBer Steve Garvey to hold special events at the Grill throughout the season. The Grill is the first in-ballpark concept opened by the King's Hawaiian brand (Dodgers).
