PK Park Among Most Veggie-Friendly

PETA has come out with their annual list of vegetarian-friendly Minor League ballparks. PK Park was ranked number seven on the list. It is quite an accomplishment considering the Emeralds did not make the list in 2011.

"I am ecstatic on getting out there," according to Food and Beverage Director Kelly Hallquest. "Being ranked in the top ten, out of over 150 teams in Minor League Baseball, is a huge honor."

Vegetarian items are easy to find around the park. Veggie burgers and hot dogs are readily available, along with completely vegetarian burritos and quesadillas. Fans have been asking for a fruit cup for several years, it is now available in 2012.

Kids Eat Free Wednesday is a great way to make coming to the ballpark affordable for the family every week. To make it affordable and healthy, the Ems teamed up this year with Lone Pine Farms to give every meal an apple, along with a hot dog and soft drink.

In 2011 the only vegetarian options available were veggie burgers and hot dogs. "It is good to see more options this year," according to Hallquest. The new vegetarian Mexican options were huge in creating a more vegetarian-friendly eating experience. The whole burrito is vegetarian, including the beans. It is easy to make it a vegan option by not including the cheese with the meal.

Hallquest found out about the ranking when she received an email from PETA asking her to submit the menu items for the season. She was told that she would hear back if the Ems made the list. It came as somewhat of a surprise, but Hallquest it proud of the ranking in that it represents the Emeralds and the entire Northwest League.

As a whole in the food industry, there is a shifting trend towards more healthy options and less of the more traditional ballpark food. "Veggie burgers have seen a major sales increase," Hallquest says of the popularity of vegetarian options. "At picnics, groups are consistently requesting more vegetarian options."

The Ems are trying to bring in as much veggie as possible to fit a very health-conscious market in Eugene. Sales are moving away some from traditional beef hot dogs and hamburgers and veggie burgers are becoming a top food item at PK Park.

The Fort Myers Miracle topped the list for their second consecutive year. They boast a full vegetarian menu featuring burgers, tacos, hot dogs, Philly, fruit and veggie trays as well as vegetarian baked beans. The Rochester Red Wings and Durham Bulls came in second and third place, respectively.

Looking forward Hallquest would like to work on bringing more vegetarian and healthy options to the ballpark. "We are looking at what other teams are doing and how we can make it work for our ballpark."

Hallquest would like to thank PETA for inclusion on the list, however there is still work to be done looking forward. "The Emeralds will not settle for less than seventh and will not rest until Fort Myers is taken over at number one."