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Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Take a peek behind the scenes of Covenant Health Park's kitchens
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — There's a lot of equipment behind the hot dog, barbecue, or pizza you might enjoy while watching a Knoxville Smokies game at Covenant Health Park, and the brand new shiny kitchens with state-of-the-art equipment are a chef's dream, according to the stadium's executive chef. The Executive Chef at Covenant Health Park, Aaron Gonnelly, guarantees some mouth watering food at the ballpark. Kitchen workers were busy preparing for the opening game. The food being prepared is not just hot dogs – the ballpark's concession company has built menus from the ground up. A look at what Covenant Health Park could do for Knoxville's economic future 'These guys back here are working on the smoke house and our picnic prep. Our first and third place terraces will have picnic (areas) like in Kodak,' said Gonnelly. 'Thousands of pounds of pork, thousands of pounds of briskets. Lots of cold slaw, potato salad. All made here on site.' Ballpark Bites is one of the premier kitchens serving traditional hot dogs, chicken tenders and all the pizza, soda, and sweets that you can wolf down. 'Hot dogs and popcorn are going to be at all of our concession stands. We have a couple of portables here that are going to have specialty dogs. We focus on our fresh, local and specialty ingredients, our specialty sandwiches. We are not just selling hot dogs and cold beer,' Gonnelly said. Dare added, 'Yes, but I can't go without Cracker Jacks.' Gonnelly confirmed, saying there will be 'Cracker Jacks everywhere.' Bill allowing Knoxville stadium to sell liquor, wine passes Tennessee General Assembly Knox Smoque, another premier kitchen, is equipped with state of the art cookers. 'We are going to do a lot of briskets. It's a lot of homemade brisket, homemade pork. We are super excited about this piece of equipment right here,' Gonnelly said. The Local Market is set up for snack and grab items. For a taste of fun for the kids, there is Dippin' Dots. Barley's at the park serves Knoxville style pizza, and at the Coop 865 premier kitchen, there's chicken, chicken, and more chicken. 'This is Coop 865, this is our chicken concept. We have our Knoxville hot chicken, we've got chicken and waffles. Chicken mac and cheese. Chicken tender basket. So anything you want with chicken, right here at this stand,' Gonnelly said. On the Vulcan flat top, buns will be warmed up, and cooks will pass through food to the front cashiers. 'Your cashier from concessions will be able to grab sandwiches, platters, whatever, turn around with your ice cold beer and [you're] on your way to the game,' Gonnelly explained. How long does it take? 6 News tests parking options at Covenant Health Park The Ultra Backstop Bar is likely a place where a lot of people will gather to quench their thirst. 'We have five individual work stations. We are going to have two frozen beverage machines and a full liquor service bar. You turn right around and you have home plate right next to you here. How much of a better bar can you really get here?' Gonnelly said. Every chef's dream is to have all that brand new equipment. Being able to walk around the concourse and have everything shiny, brand new and state-of-the art is going to be something that is excellent to this park. Knoxville Smokies partners with Sevierville brewery for official craft beer You'll need to bring a credit or debit card, as no cash will be exchanged. The menu board features reasonable prices, for a ballpark. If you want a cheesesteak it's on the menu. There are direction board points to your favorite food spot, so you're not running around in circles, plus Chef Gonnelly knows what people want from barbecue sauce to hotel toothpicks. 'This is what Knoxville needs. I mean this is the hottest thing in Knoxville right now. Everybody has been talking about it for two to three years. Being a part of the opening team on inaugural week is so exciting here in town,' Gonnelly said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Fox News
01-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Former ‘Wheel of Fortune' host Pat Sajak makes rare public appearance ahead of return to game show
Pat Sajak is back in the spotlight. After stepping down from his iconic role as host of "Wheel of Fortune" last year, Sajak, 78, has largely stayed out of the public eye. However, the beloved longtime host stepped out for a field day in a rare appearance with his daughter, Maggie. The 30-year-old captured the sweet father-daughter moment at a baseball game, as she wrote in her social media caption, "Opening Day at Dodger Stadium!!!" Pat is seen snacking on what appears to be a box of Cracker Jacks, as he was all smiles in the stadium with his daughter. "Come with me to opening day at Dodger's stadium, actually come with us," she referred to the father-daughter duo. Maggie continued to highlight the opening day for the baseball league, which featured a musical performance by Josh Groban, who sang the national anthem. The Los Angeles Dodgers were seen celebrating their victory on the field after winning the World Series last year. Fireworks and a flyover were included in the festive day. Maggie, who has served as the "Wheel of Fortune" social correspondent since 2021, mentioned in the video that her mother was also at the baseball game during the family outing. Pat's appearance on social media comes on the heels of the announcement of his return to "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" for his "Final Spin." Pat, who stepped down from his hosting duties in June 2024, will make one last appearance on the beloved spin-off series beginning on April 30, according to a press release. "A star-studded lineup is gearing up to join Sajak for a week of 'Celebrity Wheel of Fortune,' including Josh Gad, Regina Hall, Ellie Kemper, Justin Long, Joe Manganiello, Katharine McPhee and more," the release read. The Hollywood players will have a chance to win $1 million for the charity of their choice. Pat's return to the game show comes after he announced that he would be stepping down from his hosting duties in June 2023. His retirement marked an end to 42 years of hosting the show. Weeks after his announcement, Ryan Seacrest was officially named as his replacement. "Wheel of Fortune" co-host Vanna White later signed a contract that will keep her on the show through the 2025-2026 season. The popular game show premiered on television in 1975. Pat started hosting in 1981, with co-host White joining him the following year.
USA Today
31-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
The major league of savings! Tips on scoring big when going to a baseball game: Video
The major league of savings! Tips on scoring big when going to a baseball game: Video Show Caption Hide Caption Cheap baseball tickets: How to score a great deal An outing to the ballpark doesn't have to break the bank. These tips can help you save money on an enjoyable outing. Problem Solved Whether you're planning to root, root, root for the home team or just going to the game for a good time with friends, the cost of attending a baseball game, or any professional sporting event, can add up fast. Once you tally up the cost of the ticket, parking, food, drinks and any memorabilia you want to purchase, the total can hit harder than a 100-mph fastball to the ribs. While many sports fans are prepared to take the hit on the wallet, there are some easy ways to make the blow a little less painful. Watch this video to see how to score a good deal on baseball tickets. Most in-demand MLB teams According to StubHub and viagogo ticket sales, the most in-demand Major League Baseball teams in 2025 are the: Los Angeles Dodgers. Boston Red Sox. New York Yankees. Atlanta Braves. Philadelphia Phillies. Baseball tickets Being flexible can help you score major deals on ticket prices. Tickets are often cheaper on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, according to Fidelity, so head to a mid-week game when possible. It's the perfect way to beat the midweek slump! Some teams offer value packs that include a ticket, snack and a drink. Keep in mind, that value packs often have limits around where you can sit and which games the offer is valid for. Tickets also sell on platforms like SeatGeek, Gametime, StubHub and Ticketmaster. I recommend making a price comparison between these platforms to find the best seats and the best price. For a more realistic look at the price, toggle on the option to show ticket prices with fees. Don't forget to see if you can get cash back using services like Rakuten or Honey! Don't forget that there's more to sports than the big leagues. So check out the minor league or university teams in your area where a good time can be had, often for a fraction of the price of the majors. Stadium food Food and sports are a perfect marriage, and there's something about a baseball game and ballpark food that evokes a deep feeling of nostalgia for some people. While you can never go wrong with the classics: a hot dog, peanuts, Cracker Jacks and nachos, some stadiums are stepping up the game with menu items like clam chowder at Fenway Park, deep-fried tacos at Kauffman Stadium or the garlic fries that lure you to the concession stands at Oracle Park. According to a recent USA TODAY 10 Best poll, Citi Field in New York was voted the best ballpark food in the country. However, the downside to ballpark food is the price and the line you have to wait in to get the food. The simple solution is this: bring your own. The exact rules around what is and isn't allowed depends on the stadium, but for example: Truist Park in Atlanta allows outside food as long as it fits inside a clear, gallon-sized plastic bag. Visitors can also bring a sealed plastic water bottle into the park. Dodger Stadium permits food in a clear plastic bag smaller than 12'x12'x6'. They also allow you to bring in a 1 liter or smaller sealed plastic bottle of any non-alcoholic drink. Visitors to Yankee Stadium must slice or section foods like apples or oranges before entering and they can also bring in an empty, reusable non-glass water bottle. Some of these rules may not apply to people with dietary concerns and infants. Shop top-rated related products: Purchases you make through our links may earn us and our publishing partners a commission. Pre-game apps Once you have your ticket, I recommend downloading the MLB Ballpark app. This one app works for all of the major league teams and ballparks in the can set it to your home park or one you're visiting and find parking information, an interactive ballpark map, mobile food ordering and, importantly, the park's bag policy. Different ballparks have different rules on whether or not they allow you to bring handbags and backpacks through the gates. Some may have strict size requirements or only permit clear bags, so always check ahead of time.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
MLB Opening Day menus: New food, drinks at ballparks across the country
MLB Opening Day is almost here and as baseball fans return to favorite ballparks, they're in for a culinary treat with major league upgrades across menus for the 2025 season. Patrons can still chant for peanuts and Cracker Jacks during the seventh inning stretch, but the growing rosters of robust food and drink offerings make stadiums feel more like food halls that happen to host baseball games. With 29 active MLB ballparks -- one fewer this season with the Athletics departing Oakland for Sacramento, where they will play a Triple A venue at Sutter Health Park -- the culinary development teams are offering local delicacies and over-the-top offerings alike. "Good Morning America" tapped Major League Baseball and its vendors to reveal some of the best new ballpark bites and give fans an early taste of what's on deck this Opening Day. "As chefs we're always looking for ways to bring our culinary community into the venue, and we created a rotating menu as a platform to showcase more of the iconic flavors of Chicago," David Burns, senior executive chef for Levy Restaurants at Wrigley Field, told "GMA." (Levy Restaurants serves as the culinary partner at seven ballparks from coast to coast.) For example, Burns said one classic Chicago dish -- the Jibarito, a Puerto Rican sandwich that replaces buns with tostones -- will be put in the stadium's spotlight, "serving it as a special for our opening homestand and hopefully later in the season." "Some might be surprised that the Levy chefs behind what we serve at Wrigley Field -- and at ballparks across the country -- have trained in some of the best restaurant kitchens. We also live in a world-class food city that blends influences from so many cultures," Burns told "GMA," referring to Chicago. In Seattle, T-Mobile Park -- which has become known for one of the top culinary lineups in the league -- is expanding on its already impressive gourmet menu for Mariners fans. There will be more on the value menu, new player-inspired dishes and specialty hotdogs with Japanese izakaya flare. "We are very excited to once again provide fans at T-Mobile Park with what we believe is the best ballpark menu in baseball," Malcolm Rogel, the Mariners' vice president of fan experience, said while revealing the new offerings on Wednesday. "With player-inspired dishes, a great lineup of local partners and a larger value program than ever before, there is something for everyone at the ballpark this summer." Twenty-eight of the 30 MLB teams will play in 14 Opening Day games on Thursday, March 27. ESPN will broadcast two of them, the Milwaukee Brewers vs. the New York Yankees followed by a primetime matchup between the reigning champion Los Angeles Dodgers and the Detroit Tigers. Click here to see the full Opening Day schedule. From the AL West to the NL East, scroll below for a glimpse at what stadium chefs have developed in the offseason. Yankee Stadium Tiramisu served in mini Yankees batting helmets, authentic Jamaican beef patties, and a smoked chicken Cubano sando are among the broad array of new concessions hitting menus throughout Yankee Stadium in 2025. In his second year overseeing Legends Hospitality, executive chef Robert Flowers announced the forthcoming culinary offerings on Wednesday, plus unveiled the new Change-Up Kitchen stand in Section 105 that will feature classic Legends offerings like Lobel's pastrami, porchetta sandwiches and in its rookie season debut -- a new lobster roll and three flavors of Nuchas empanadas. The Change-Up Kitchen will rotate new menu creations throughout the season and act as a location for guest chefs to serve dishes and greet fans. Beloved Bronx-born and raised chef Christian Petroni has a couple of sweet new additions for those who are already fans of his popular Italian classics, like the returning meatballs with cheesy garlic bread. First up, Petroni Tiramisu, made with an espresso mascarpone cream, lady finger cookies, and topped with a generous dousing of fresh cocoa powder. The second treat is the Petroni and Mister Softee Sundae made with vanilla ice cream, hazelnut hot fudge, cannoli praline crunch and vanilla panna. Bondi Sushi inside the Audi Club will offer a full sushi station with nigiri, hot and crispy hand rolls, sashimi and crispy rice. Brooklyn Dumpling Shop, known for its multi-cultural mashups, is joining Yankee Stadium to serve three flavors: buffalo chicken, kung pao chicken, and wagyu beef dumplings, served with ranch and spicy aioli dipping sauces. At FreshDirect Terrace above the visitors bullpen Caribbean Food Delights will serve two styles of beef patties -- traditional and another stuffed with a cilantro lime slaw and jerk BBQ aioli -- plus, a new fresh cut pineapple cup with sweet and spicy chamoy sauce and lime, and a new corn esquite cup with sour cream lime dressing, seasoning and cotija cheese. Yankee Stadium is also introducing a brand new signature cocktail -- the Aspen Espresso Martini, made with Aspen vodka, cold brew, coffee liqueur. Other inventive new libations include the new blueberry liqueur and lemonade Grey Goose concoction known as the Bronxtail, as well as the Ginfielder made with Hendrick's, lime, cucumber and mint and the two-run home run with Bacardi light rum, spiced rum, passion fruit and pink lemonade. T-Mobile Park The Seattle Mariners and longtime hospitality partner Sodexo Live! announced T-Mobile Park's new food and beverages on Wednesday, curated by Rogel and the stadium's new executive chef, Craig McAlister. The beloved Pacific Northwest ballpark is expanding its popular value menu and adding new local and regional partners to the lineup with Great State Burger, Sumo Dog and Nakagawa Sushi. : In honor of Mariners legend Ichiro Suzuki and his recent Hall of Fame election, the Walk-Off Market will serve wings tossed in the exact teriyaki and sesame glaze recipe that was created specifically for Ichiro in the clubhouse kitchen. At Nakagawa, fans can dig into sushi made with salmon, crab salad, avocado, cucumber, green onion, fried onion, sriracha, rice and seaweed. : Playing off Cal Raleigh's "Big Dumper" nickname, the Walk-Off Market will serve fresh, hot steamed pork soup dumplings with sesame and hoisin sauce. : Hearty turkey legs will make their way back to the new King's Court stand in honor of "King Felix" Hernández, a nod to his reign on the field when turkey legs were delivered to lucky fans in the King's Court section during the game. : A Mariners blue, honey-battered corn dog with spicy crunch and served with nacho cheese. : Soft serve ice cream with thick, crunchy waffle chips, sprinkles and caramel sauce. In addition to the IchiRoll, Bothell-based Nakagawa will also offer classic Vegetable and California Rolls, as well as the Seattle Roll (salmon, avocado, cucumber, fish roe, sesame, rice, seaweed), the Shiso Hama Roll (yellow tail, shiso, avocado, cucumber, sesame, rice, seaweed), and the Mariner Combo (four pieces of California roll, four pieces of Seattle roll, two pieces of Shiso Hama roll and two pieces vegetable roll). : Offerings for their inaugural year at the ballpark include unique twists with The Godzilla -- a footlong all-beef Hempler's hot dog, beef chili, togarashi cheese sauce, wasabi relish, pickled peppers, spicy mayo, teriyaki sauce, furikake, minced onion, jalapeño and nori -- and the classic Sumo Dog, made with wasabi relish, pickled peppers, spicy mayo, teriyaki sauce, furikake, minced onion and nori on an all-beef hot dog, as well as Miso Mustard Coleslaw, Mochi, Lemongrass Lemonade and more. : The menu, made entirely with all Washington-grown, farmed and raised ingredients supports area farms with offerings that feature beef from cows that are 100% pasture-raised and grass-fed. The menu includes Cheeseburgers, Chicken Strip Combos, Chicken Veggie Burgers and the hearty Great State Burger. : During the warmer summer games in the 'Pen, fans can cool off with a new alcoholic slushie wall at Slushietown. The 20-ounce beverages include Frozen Mangonado, Frozen Basil Lemonade, Frozen Piña Colada and Mariners Lemonade. Mariners Value Offerings The selection of value food and beer menus is the largest it's ever been at the ballpark with 26 items, including four new food items -- Pocky Stix, Jalapeño Popcorn, Little Bites Mini Muffins and Tostitos-n-Guac Snack Pack. Oriole Park at Camden Yards Two new dishes have been added to the culinary lineup at the home of the Baltimore Orioles. : A nod to the Camden Yards landmark – served just beside it on Eutaw Street. Two flame-seared beef patties topped with queso fundido, fried onions, Grillo's Pickle de Gallo and Whistle Sauce, served on a pretzel bun. Located at the Bleacher Grill on Eutaw Street. : The best of Maryland on one bun. Footlong Chesapeake sausage smothered with creamy crab dip, pickled sweet corn, and fried green tomatoes, served on a soft pretzel bun. Located near section 5 just off of Eutaw Street down the right field line. Dodger Stadium The defending MLB champs will forever be remembered as one of the pioneers in iconic game day foods thanks to the Dodger Dog, and this year, the Los Angeles venue is building on its lineup with four new bites. : A 16-inch jalapeño cheddar sausage is topped with corn relish, white cheddar cheese sauce, cilantro crema, and crunchy tortilla strips and served with crispy golden french fries. The dish is offered at Think Blue BBQ in the left field pavilion near section 51, as well as at the reserve level near section 31 at Fan Fare. : House-seasoned and smoked al pastor ribs and pulled pork are served-up with esquite -- Mexican street corn salad -- chipotle cornbread, habanero baked beans, chorizo links and pineapple salsa. Located at the left field pavilion section 51 Think Blue BBQ. : Teriyaki-glazed chicken served with fluffy steamed rice, blistered shishito peppers, veggie dumplings, and spring rolls with a sweet chili sauce. Located at Delicious Hospitality on the field level, near section 8. : Crispy chicken katsu stacked on buttery Texas toast with kewpie mayo, creamy avocado, arugula, tomatoes and smoky applewood bacon. Located at Delicious Hospitality on the field level, near section 8. Chase Field Arizona Diamondbacks fans can try three new offerings this season at Chase Field, including a Sonoran-inspired riff on a ballpark classic. : Crispy, golden chicken cutlets topped with homemade tomato sauce, Provolone, pesto and Parmesan. Located at Jefferson Street Deli in section 121. : Cajun crinkle cut fries smothered in white cheddar mac, cheddar cheese, pork belly bacon, cola barbecue sauce, slaw, crispy onion, and scallions. Located at Taste of Chase near section 130. : A hefty half-pound Nathan's footlong hot dog nestled in a buttery-toasted New England roll, topped with ranch beans, smoked bacon, pico de gallo, and drizzled with mustard and mayo. Located at Taste of Chase near section 130 and the A-zona stand near section 208. Nationals Park Washington Nationals fans are in for three new flavor-packed concessions this season. : Slow-smoked brisket piled high with Mambo Sauce slaw and tangy pickled vegetables, all nestled into a warm onion roll. Located at the Smoked! stand near section 140. This sandwich, selected by pitcher Jake Irvin and center fielder Jacob Young, is the first of many items hand-selected by Nationals players that will rotate throughout the season. : Crispy tortilla chips topped with chopped rib-eye, caramelized onions, pickled peppers, cheez whiz and garlic aioli. Located at Change Up Food Hall near section 101. It is the first Stolen Plate Special for the season. This new menu concept will feature nachos crafted around the famous flavors of each visiting team's city. : Buttery split-top bun loaded with chili, zesty Mambo slaw and drizzled with tangy mustard. Located at the section 105 Haute Dog stand. Wrigley Field The home of the Chicago Cubs has four new dishes, plus additional rotating menu items at Marquee Classics hitting the menu throughout the season, including short rib sliders, New England lobster rolls, chili lime fries and sticky pork bao, among others. : This iconic Chicago dish is plated up with a twist. Juicy roast beef, garlic butter, lettuce, tomato and garlic aioli tucked between two smashed and fried plantains. Available for the opening homestand at Marquee Classics (section 117) as part of a new homestand rotating menu. Four new dishes rotate each homestand, with the most popular returning later in the season. : Chargrilled plant-based burger topped with house-made kimchi, hoisin aioli and broccoli slaw, served on a toasted sesame bun. Available at Marquee Classics (section 117) for the opening homestand. : Crispy puffed flour tortilla topped with carne asada, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, cheddar jack cheese, cilantro and lime wedge. Available at Marquee Classics (section 117) for the April 18-27 homestand. : Crispy fried chicken served with Belgian waffles, hot honey drizzle and strawberries. Available at Marquee Classics (section 117) at an upcoming homestand. LoanDepot Park Miami is beloved for it's robust array of Latin American cuisine, and while the Marlins stadium will still serve hits like the Cubano Gigante -- a 34-inch-long, 2 1/2-pound Cuban sandwich -- there are three other highlights debuting at the LoanDepot diamond this season. : A mouthwatering display of grilled steak, chicken breast and sausage, plated up with smashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, chimichurri verde, chimichurri rojo and cilantro sauce. Available at The Bullpen Bar & Grill, a new sports lounge located in left field. : Sliced steak topped with Provolone cheese, roasted peppers and onions and chili aioli on pull-apart King's Hawaiian rolls, available in orders of three and six sliders. Served at The Bullpen Bar & Grill. : Made to order, served with choice of house-made Buffalo or barbecue sauce, bleu cheese, celery and carrots. Available at The Bullpen Bar & Grill. This story was originally published on March 19, 2025. MLB Opening Day menus: New food, drinks at ballparks across the country originally appeared on
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
4 new Great American Ball Park dishes, from a mozzarella stick sandwich to goetta sliders
The Cincinnati Reds just took peanuts, Cracker Jacks and other ballgame snacks to the next level. The 2025 Major League Baseball season kicks off next week, and with it, the return of ballpark nights full of ice-cold drinks, popcorn, ice cream and other well-loved snacks. But sports stadium food has come a long way. Each year, Great American Ball Park reveals new menu additions ahead of the Reds season. Heading to a Reds game with a hearty appetite? Here are four need-to-try items new to the stadium this year. For a complete list of all the new food and beverage offerings, visit This dish combines everything you didn't know you needed in a sandwich: mozzarella sticks, chicken tenders and marinara sauce. Find it in the Scouts Club private event space located behind home plate. What's in it: Crispy chicken tenders, "Big Mozz" sticks, provolone cheese, marinara sauce and banana peppers on a hoagie roll, served with kettle chips. Glier's Meats Inc. levels up the classic Reuben sandwich with its signature goetta patty. Available at the stadium's food bar locations in sections 129 and 416. What's in it: Glier's goetta patty, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and thousand island dressing, served on slider buns. Experience this leveled-up version of the walking taco born out of a collaboration between Grippo's and Montgomery Inn. Available near sections 117, 133, 416 and 425. What's in it: A Grippo's and Montgomery Inn collaboration combining Saratoga-style chips with pulled pork, BBQ sauce and coleslaw. Fifty West Brewing Co. debuted its addition to Great American Ball Park's menus Friday: a double smash burger topped with "Funacho" cheese on a pretzel bun. It's available at the Fifty West Stand in section 129 for a limited time, offered until April 30. What's in it: Double smash burger with American cheese, topped with "Funacho" cheese and house mustard on a pretzel bun with crinkle-cut fries. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Great American Ball Park unveils 2025 new menu items
