At the Ballpark (photo by Taylor Schlades, courtesy of morgueFile.com)

The menu choices at America’s baseball stadiums may have evolved well beyond the “peanuts and Crackerjacks” celebrated in song, but in recent years they have come to include more healthy and local food choices. Regardless, the venerable hot dog still reigns supreme according to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council's annual survey.

Fenway Park Ranks #1

Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox is expected to top the Major Leagues by serving up more than 1.67 million hot dogs during the 2010 season. Fenway franks are always boiled and grilled, and served on a New England style bun (split from the top) and topped with a choice of mustard and relish. Fenway is also the first MLB ballpark to install a kosher hot dog vending machine.

An impressive total for New England’s cherished ballpark, but still only a fraction of the more than 21 million hot dogs expected to be served at Major League stadiums across the country.

Healthier & Sustainable Options in the Mix

In a welcome sign of the times, healthier food options are joined by recent improvements on sustainable practices in the often staid world of big-time sports. Aramark, a service provider to 15 Major League stadiums, says it works to implement environmentally friendly practices that promote the use of local ingredients, source from local farmers and suppliers, reduce waste, utilize biodegradable service ware, and encourage composting and recycling of bottles, cans, cardboard as well as frying oil. Within retail, many team stores feature apparel made from organic and recycled cotton.

“We found that our most important fan groups are making very sophisticated dining choices outside the ballpark, so we continue to innovate to appeal to their tastes, at every price level, once inside the ballpark,” said Marc Bruno, president of Aramark Sports, Entertainment and Conventions.

Plenty of Calorie-Packed Favorites for Traditionalists

Traditionalists looking forward to calorie-packed favorites while watching a game need not worry. Old favorites such as cheesesteaks, nachos, and Buffalo wings will be readily available. Dishes served up in “monster” portions for the especially ravenous will be easy to find.

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