Last week I attended the Reading Phillies Home opener and while teaching my 9 year old niece how to correctly keep score a man sitting nearby made a snarky comment that, “Soooome fans come to the ballpark just to eat!” Well, I chuckled and enjoyed the hot dog he passed along to me from the vendor anyways.
I don’t go to games just for the food but it does make it a lot more enjoyable when you have great food to accompany a great game.
I have to say that even though the Ironpigs have fielded their best opening day team in the short history here in Allentown, and that attendance is higher this year than the previous two… the MVP of the 2010 opening homestand is the Concessions area!
I’ve been to a few ballparks during opening week. I’ve suffered through cold hot dogs, under supplied food stands and poorly trained vending staff but this year’s crew at CCP started the season off with a bang.
Concessions employees have been courteous, playful and impressively knowledgeable about their products!
Old Favorites
Philly Cheesesteak/Chickensteak
Jandl Turkey Stand
Philly Fries (A cheesesteak that replaces the bun with french fries)
Pizza
Walking Taco (I’m not a big fan but many enjoy this)
Hot dogs from the centerfield grill
Philly Pretzels
Aw Shucks corn
PierogiesNew Additions
The All Star Sandwich combines French Fries, Cheese sauce, Hot pastrami and cole slaw on a bun. Definately a winner!The Ferrous, FeFe and Pretzel bunned ham and cheese sandwiches. I’ve only tried the Ham and cheese but have heard many good things about the others.
Philly Pretzels have expanded their lineup to include cinnamon pretzels and various other dipping sauces.
Popcorn in a plastic helmet.. who doesn’t love a plastic helmet? Although the popcorn is easily spilled Phanatic style, this is one of those classics that doesn’t go away. Would like to see more cracker jack though.
To Coca Cola Park’s Director of Concessions Alex Rivera and his staff… Job Well Done! Keep up the great work!
noisenation.mlblogs.com 
I kinda promised myself I’d stop commenting on food…but here’s the thing for that guy in Reading: eating is an important part of my evening, regardless. It’s something my body needs anyway. (ok, rough definition of need). For those of us who are at the stadium so much, variety and quality are important. I don’t always have time to eat elsewhere.
Speaking of elsewhere: stopped at Arby’s last night for some free-coupon sandwiches. You know, they’re not Beef n’ Cheddar(R) this year, despite what the radio and PA guys say. They are “Arby’s Melts,” which are the same, but smaller. Also, I think those coupons expire 5/15, so if you’ve got a stack of them in your car, like I do, use ’em up!
And I second your kudos for concessions: love the AllStar, love the deli stuff at Pizza, love the return of the Pig Stop.
I see Concepcion hurt his Velandia last night, sending him the the DL. Duckworth activated, and will start tonight. Let’s see how that goes…
lol, they need to be more careful to protect their Valendia’s! Perhaps we could design and market a protective device?