R-Phils Adding More Food Than Ever Before to Ballpark

(Reading, PA) – Earlier today, at a press conference held at Good Eatz Green Café in Reading, the Reading Phillies, the Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies since 1967, announced that in 2011 and beyond, the club will be offering fans more food than ever before at FirstEnergy Stadium.

“We will continue to provide our fans with great food at affordable prices,” noted R-Phils Director of Operations Andy Bortz. “Last year we were able to add five new items, and this year, thanks to the $10 million renovations, we are able to add much, much more. We definitely have something for everyone.”

With the addition of the brand-new VIST Financial Plaza, which is four times as large as the previous Food Court, fans will be treated to a wide variety of food. VIST Financial Plaza, the signature element of the $10 Million Renovations, will serve as the place where all fans can go to enjoy great food, music, and more. While fans chow down on delicious ballpark fare, there will be great musical entertainment on the Weston Center Winning Smiles Stage for all 71 games this season – the first time ever fans can enjoy live music at every R-Phils game. Of course, there will also be food throughout the concourse as well.

New to the ballpark in 2011, the R-Phils will have even more pizza than ever before, thanks to some great pizza selections from DiGiorno. Fans can expect a DiGiorno pizza stand as they make their way into VIST Financial Plaza. Also, fans will be able to munch on scrumptious funnel cake fries, courtesy of J & J Snack Foods, delicious BBQ ribs from Willie Jack’s BBQ, fantastic cheesesteak sliders from Taste of Italy, as well as tasty popcorn chicken and mozzarella sticks from Tyson.

Fans looking for healthy options will also be set, as the R-Phils will have great healthy menu items for fans this season. Vegetarians and all fans that come out to the ballpark can now enjoy great salads and wraps from Good Eatz Green Café. There will also be gluten-free options, courtesy of Good Eatz Green Café, on the ballpark menu as well.

Along with the permanent concession stands added to VIST Financial Plaza, the R-Phils will have a rotating cart added to VIST Financial Plaza, and fans can expect some great new menu items there as well. On Mondays and Tuesdays, hungry fans can expect great tasting items from Kathryn’s Katering, including pot pies. On Wednesdays and Sundays, Kathryn’s Katering is back to satisfy the taste buds of R-Phils fans, and each of those two days will feature delicious pasta dishes.

Seafood lovers are also in for a real treat, as the R-Phils will have delicious seafood meals every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. On each of those three days, fans can chow down on crab cakes, sushi, soups, fish sandwiches, and even more, thanks to great food from Adelphia Seafood.

Another addition to the concession menu, which is more about convenience than about new item, is that now the Grand Slam Grill will feature draft beer selections at the same point of service as all of the delicious ballpark food. Along with burgers, “churgers”, French fries, and more, fans who are 21 years old and older can now choose one of four draft beer flavors right there at the Grand Slam Grill. In the past, draft beer was only available at separate beer stands.

And, the R-Phils are pleased to announce that all of the ballpark standards, which fans have become accustom to over the years, will be back as well. Food options at America’s Classic Ballpark will still range from classic ballpark fare, such as hot dogs, peanuts and Cracker Jacks, to specialty items like the popular cheeseburger dog, funnel cake, and the “churger” -- which combines a burger and chicken breast separated by a slice of American cheese on a fresh roll.

Other great items, such as pierogies, onion rings, Italian sausage, are back as well. And, delicious snacks, like pretzels, nachos, ice cream, and Rita’s Italian Ices, which will feature even more options this season, are back also. Another favorite, which was added in 2010 – the “Nuts for You” stand, will be back at America’s Classic Ballpark and
fans can choose from gourmet nuts, which include cashews, almonds, and even kettle corn.

Kids will also be able to expect the same great food, and will once again be able to enjoy the popular Crazy Hot Dog Vendor Kid’s Meal. Consisting of a hot dog or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich – your choice, the kid’s meal also features apple slices, Goldfish crackers, a Crazy Hot Dog Vendor hat, a juice box, and a collectible toy.

Back for 2011, the R-Phils are offering any fan the opportunity to add the all-you-can-eat Deck Buffet to any ticket, (Blue Box, Yellow Box, Red Reserved, or General Admission) for only $12. The wristband grants fans access to the 2 1/2 hour all-you-can-eat Deck Buffet, located in left field. The deck menu includes barbecued chicken, burgers, hot dogs, baked beans, pasta & potato salads, cookies, lemonade, iced tea and Pepsi products.

Fans interested in renewing their season tickets and mini-plans, or purchasing single-game tickets for the R-Phils Opening Weekend, can do so now by visiting readingphillies.com, or by calling 610-370-BALL. Single-game tickets are also now available for purchase online at readingphillies.com, and will be available in-person for the first time this year, on Saturday, February 26 at FirstEnergy Stadium from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. R-Phils Tickets -- Same Great Price. America's Classic Ballpark...Just Got Even Better.