National concession progression and UVU
Photo courtesy of LA Times
Most culinary rules can be thrown out the window when it comes to the food served at stadiums and ballparks around the country. Anything goes, really. All conventions except for creativity, as it stands as king at the concessions; as if calories, fat, and sugar don’t exist at sporting events. Food has become a large part of the entertainment experience sports fans are paying for and stadiums are starting to realize that. The masterpieces they’ve rolled out in response do not disappoint.
Chase Field of the Arizona Diamondbacks dishes out something called a churro dog, which is basically ice cream and churro packed into a sliced doughnut. The folks at Milwaukee’s Miller Park serve up nachos on a stick. At Memphis Grizzlies home games fans can get a hold of the fried double Twinkie. Fans of the Texas Rangers can purchase a chicken and doughnut skewer if it strikes their fancy, and many stadiums around the country have started serving hamburger patties sandwiched between two doughnuts.
While these crazy concoctions are a lot of fun, usually the most popular items on the menu are the foods unique to the region or city. Angel Stadium has authentic Los Angeles style street tacos from Southern California’s famous Chronic Tacos. Philly cheesesteaks are the primary reason fans are still buying tickets at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Crab sandwiches can be purchased all over AT&T Park in San Francisco. In the heart of beer, cheese and bratwurst country, the Green Bay Packers offer a flashy combination of the three called the “Horse Collar”. As for the college scene, LSU’s Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, La. has added Jambalaya to the concessions menu and Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. sells authentic “Northwest” barbeque, a regional twist on classic barbeque.
With all the unique favorites of the Beehive State, why are none of them being offered at the local stadium? In this food frenzy that’s sweeping over stadiums across the country, our own home team seems to have been left behind. UVU games offer the essentials, and there’s nothing wrong with a simple hot dog and soda. They’ve even started selling fried mac & cheese bites at baseball games. But in a state with several distinct dishes, so much more could be offered. I for one would love to fill up on green Jell-O while watching our Wolverines. Funeral potatoes would be a sure hit at all the games. On those cold nights at Brent Brown Ballpark in early spring, why not grab a hot scone smothered in honey and a cup of Postum, the ever-popular coffee alternative. And of course, every meal would include a side of fry sauce. With a near surplus of local flavors, the concession artists have a rainbow of colors and a blank canvas.