Centerplate, which changed ownership in late 2012, handles the concession stands, suites and catering options at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.
As a component of the long-term relationship, the T-Bones and Centerplate are cooperatively investing in some capital improvements to the ballpark.
The biggest addition for 2013, as part of the contract extension, will be new premium seating on the main concourse.
There will be 24 new seats, 12 along each side of the main concourse, on four-top seating with private table in a full-service area. All six tables in this new trend in stadiums and arenas are under the shade.
“This is exciting for two reasons: the first is that, under Centerplate’s new ownership, we’re now able to partner more strongly with our food and beverage provider,” said T-Bones President Adam Ehlert. “The second and more significant is that these improvements will enhance the fan experience. CommunityAmerica Ballpark has a great 10-year history of being a comfortable, fan-friendly place to watch America’s Pastime. These slight infrastructure tweaks will broaden our selection of both food and beverage and premium seating areas, and better allow our customers to enjoy Fun…Well Done.”
“It has been an honor to serve as the hospitality partner to the T-Bones for the past seven years, and to have such an important role in welcoming fans and guests to the park,” said Ken Frazier, Region Vice-President of Centerplate. “We are thrilled to extend our relationship with the team, and have even more in store for the coming season — from all-natural products, to an extension of family-friendly nights and private events. Everyone at Centerplate is truly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this great community.”
Other changes and enhancements include 42” High-Definition menu boards at the concession stands; computer tablets at each concession stand to enhance ordering and allow credit card transactions; “The Natural,” a new concession stand down the left field line that will offer organic and hormone-free foods; bottle liquor sales/service in the suites; other enhancements to the suite level, including a renovation that will allow three suites to open and become a mega suite.
As for the food, Centerplate Executive Chef and General Manager Michael Johnson says, besides adding “The Natural,” the core menu at CommunityAmerica Ballpark will remain basically the same.
“The biggest change is that we’re going back to Wimmer’s hot dogs, which are made of beef and pork only and are gluten-free, and then we’ll have a new specialty sausage that I think fans will enjoy,” Johnson added. “We’ll also be offering BIGS Sunflower Seeds in plain and flavored.”
The T-Bones open their home regular season on Sat., May 18, against Wichita. Single-game tickets for the general public go on sale on March 28 at 10 a.m. Season ticket packages and mini-plans are available now by calling 913-328-5618.
