The Buccaneers this week unveiled new menu items at Raymond James Stadium, with many of the items "inspired by the unique tastes" of the city and a focus on "showcasing regional foods," according to Laura Reiley of the TAMPA BAY TIMES. The new items, "part of a collaboration" between the Tampa Sports Authority and concessionaire Aramark, include a "pressed-to-order Cuban sandwich on local bread" and a new "bocadillo" shaved ham sandwich for $11 each. The menu also features "new sides" like sweet potato and yucca fries for $6.50 each. Buccaneers COO Brian Ford described the "shiny new concession kiosks as operating like self-sufficient little restaurants." He said it is a shift aimed at "improving the overall guest experience in terms of menu selections and speed of service." Raymond James Stadium Exec Chef Kevin Riley said that the new changes "reflected a more 'chef-driven concept,' with an emphasis on house-made sauces, condiments and roasted meats" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 8/14).
IRON STOMACH: In Pittsburgh, Michael Machosky noted Heinz Field's menu has been "revamped at the club and suite levels and a few items have been added to general concessions." One new item called the "Burgher" on a Stick features "panko-breaded ground beef, cheddar, relish, spicy ketchup and bacon." Another new item is the Arancini, which are "breaded Arborio rice balls filled with ground beef, veal and pork, sweet peas and parmesan cheese." Both are "available in the suites." There also is an "AFC North-theme Football City Mini Sampler of hot dogs, featuring three short, grilled dogs representing the Steelers (grilled kielbasa, bacon-caramelized onion kraut, whole-grain mustard), the Ravens (Old Bay crab dip and diced tomato), and the Bengals (Skyline Chili, cheddar, onion)" (PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW, 8/13).
FLY ON, LITTLE WING: In Buffalo, Jerry Zremski noted Ralph Wilson Stadium's renovations include a "radical overhaul" of the concessions operations. This means several "trademark Buffalo food outlets will be scattered around the stadium." The "modernized concessions operation made it possible to offer much more local fare," including Tim Hortons doughnuts, La Nova pizza and Duff's wings (BUFFALONEWS.com, 8/14).
I'M THE BEST DOG IN THE GAME: Seattle-based KING-NBC noted the "new items" at CenturyLink Field for Seahawks games this season include "a 24-inch long hot dog" called the "Colossal Hawk Dog." The hot dog comes "topped with chipotle cheese sauce, pico de gallo, diced red peppers, diced jalapeños, sour cream, and guacamole with blue and green tortilla strips" (KING5.com, 8/13).
