Southern Traditions Return To Toyota Field In 2023
The 2023 Rocket City Trash Pandas season is just over two weeks away! In anticipation of Opening Night at Toyota Field on April 6, the Trash Pandas today unveiled a key aspect of the fan experience with new food and drink options that will be available at the ballpark during
The 2023 Rocket City Trash Pandas season is just over two weeks away! In anticipation of Opening Night at Toyota Field on April 6, the Trash Pandas today unveiled a key aspect of the fan experience with new food and drink options that will be available at the ballpark during the 2023 season.
Many southern staples that debuted in 2022 return to the menu in 2023, with the addition of a variety of items perfect for families, groups, and guests of all ages. The new flare to the menu at Toyota Field includes favorites and sharable items including Philly Cheesesteaks, hot chicken fries, signature sandwiches homemade pizza, and dessert specialties.
“The inspiration for this year’s menu was to add more tasty, affordable options for everyone while keeping the southern cuisine that fans enjoyed last year,” Trash Pandas Food and Beverage Director Garien Shelby said. “Our goal is that when fans come to Toyota Field, they can enjoy unique items that fit their taste.”
Debuting in 2023 will be The Corked Bat, a wine bar on the third base concourse with a selection of seasonal wines. At The Corked Bat, fans will be able to purchase wine by the glass, or even by the bottle to take with them to their seat. Charcuterie options will also be available.
On Friday nights at Toyota Field while the Trash Pandas take the field in their new Halo Blue uniforms, fans can enjoy Halo Blue draft beer, a signature blue cocktail, and berry blue lemonade.
New to the calendar in 2023 will be All You Can Eat Wednesdays (excluding the three Education Day games on April 19, May 3, and September 6). All tickets are specially priced with a $9 increase to include a selection of unlimited food such as hot dogs, burgers, fries, nachos, popcorn and fountain drinks at Gravity Grille and Dumpster Dive concession stands. The Bullpen Bar will also offer unlimited hot dogs, nachos, and fountain drinks.
The new items will be available all throughout Toyota Field, with certain items available at all concession stands on the concourse and others offered upstairs on the suite level and at the SportsMED Stadium Club.
Rocket City Chicken Fries: Crispy classic-cut French fries topped with hot chicken, fried jalapeño caps, and our homemade macaroni and cheese. Served out of Gravity Grille.
Pig Out Sandwich: Smoked bologna, pulled pork, barbecue Conecuh sausage, bacon, barbecue sauce, and cheese on a brioche bun. Served out of Gravity Grille.
Philly Cheesesteak: Sliced sirloin steak, roasted pepper and onion blend, and queso blanco on a hoagie roll. Served out of Dumpster Dive.
Buffalo Chicken Philly: Pulled chicken, garlic buffalo sauce, ranch drizzle, blue cheese crumbles, roasted pepper and onion blend, sliced green onions, and queso blanco on a hoagie roll. Served at Swifty’s.
Chopped Cheese Sandwich: Chopped Conecuh sausage, seasoned burger patty, caramelized onions, and jalapeno pimento cheese on a pretzel bun. Served at Swifty’s.
BBQ Chicken Tacos: Pulled chicken, pickled red onion and jalapeño, Alabama white sauce, and queso fresco on flour tortillas. Served out of The Bullpen Bar.
BBQ Pork Tacos: Smoked pulled pork, Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce, pickled jalapeño, and pineapple relish on flour tortillas. Served out of The Bullpen Bar.
BBQ Chicken Sandwich: Pulled chicken and Alabama white sauce on a brioche bun. Served at Swifty’s.
BBQ Pork Sandwich: Smoked pulled pork and Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce on a brioche bun. Served at Swifty’s.
Meatball Hero: Two-ounce Italian meatballs, marinara, and provolone on a hoagie roll. Served out of All-Stars.
Pizza: House-made cheese and pepperoni pizza by the slice, with a gluten free crust available by request. Available at All-Stars.
Chopped Brisket Sandwich: Chopped smoked brisket and Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce on a brioche bun. Served at Swifty’s.
Bavarian Pretzel Charcuterie: Large Bavarian pretzel with beer brined bratwurst, smoked Conecuh sausage, steak and onion cheese, smoked gouda, brown mustard, peach preserves, and crackers. Available for fans on the Suite level.
Among the dessert menu additions at Toyota Field in 2023 will be:
Cheesecake Poutine: Funnel cake fries topped with strawberry coulis, cheesecake bites, powdered sugar, and whipped cream. Available at All-Stars.
The Trash Can: Inside a souvenir full-size replica helmet, vanilla ice cream, cookies, brownies, candy, chocolate syrup, whipped cream. Big enough to serve four people. Available at All-Stars.
Returning to the menu in 2023 will be the fan favorite Eat Your Opponent Dogs, with each hot dog dedicated to the local flavor of the Trash Pandas’ seven Southern League opponents. In April, the Trash Pandas will host the Chattanooga Lookouts and Biloxi Shuckers. The below hot dogs will be on the menu at Swifty’s during each series in April.
Chattanooga Lookouts, Lookout it’s Hot Dog: Conecuh hot dog marinated in chilis topped with Jack Daniels Pickles, sweet vinegar slaw, and fresh diced tomato.
Biloxi Shuckers, Shucked Po Boy: Conecuh hot dog featuring remoulade, oysters, shredded lettuce, and diced tomato.
More information on each Eat Your Opponent Dog will be released closer to each series throughout the 2023 season.
The 2023 Trash Pandas begins on Thursday, April 6 against the Chattanooga Lookouts at Toyota Field. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m.
Streak Snapped! Trash Pandas blast Smokies 9-1 to end skid
MADISON, Ala. – It's over! On Wednesday night, the Rocket City Trash Pandas (1-7, 25-51) ended their 16-game losing streak by blasting the Knoxville Smokies (4-4, 36-40) at Toyota Field, 9-1. Denzer Guzman hit a three-run home run that capped off a four-run third inning, and the Trash Pandas never
George Klassen named to 2025 All-Star Futures Game
MADISON, Ala. – Rocket City Trash Pandas right-handed pitcher George Klassen has been chosen to participate in the 2025 All-Star Futures Game. This 26th edition of the Futures Game will take place at 3:00 pm CT on Saturday, July 12, at Truist Park in Atlanta. Klassen will represent the Trash
Rain spoils Trash Pandas' winning hopes on Sunday despite tying the game in the ninth
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (0-6, 24-50) suffered a heartbreaking 15th straight loss on Sunday, as rain interrupted the series finale in the ninth inning. The Montgomery Biscuits (6-0, 43-31) won the game at Riverwalk Stadium 6-5 in a rain-shortened eight-inning contest. The two teams will not
Independence Week and Fourth of July Festival coming up at Toyota Field
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas are thrilled to announce a week-long Independence Day celebration as they host the Knoxville Smokies at Toyota Field from July 1-3. The festivities will include an Independence Eve Celebration and Fireworks, presented by SAIC, and a Fourth of July Festival culminating with
Fatherhood, Baseball, and Life Lessons
Baseball and fatherhood go hand in hand for many families across the country. Most boys learn the game from their dads, who often learn it from theirs, and so on. Both baseball and fatherhood require Leadership, planning, and teamwork. The relationship between the two goes much deeper than a game
Wednesday's doubleheader suspended, will resume on Thursday
Madison, Ala. – Game one of Wednesday's doubleheader between the Rocket City Trash Pandas and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Toyota Field has been suspended. This game will resume on Thursday at 4:05 pm, followed by a second seven-inning game approximately 45 minutes after the conclusion of the first. On Wednesday,
Homestand Highlights: June 17-22 vs. Chattanooga Lookouts
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas continue their longest homestand of the season as they close out the first half welcoming the Chattanooga Lookouts, the Cincinnati Reds' Double-A affiliate, at Toyota Field for seven games over six days, from Tuesday, June 17 to Sunday, June 22. The second
Trash Pandas show off their Butts, and win 4-1 over Blue Wahoos
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (24-35) kicked off a weekend celebration of Alabama's rich BBQ history on Friday night by playing as their alternate identity, the Bama Butts. They posted a 4-1 victory over the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (30-21) in front of 5,381 fans at Toyota Field.
Christian Moore Launched to the League
MADISON, Ala. – Former Trash Pandas infielder Christian Moore is headed to the majors after the Los Angeles Angels purchased his contract today. He becomes the 41st Trash Pandas player to make his major league debut. After a slow start to the season, Moore was riding a seven-game hitting streak
Pandas win second-straight over Wahoos, 5-4, on Thursday
MADISON, Ala. – On Thursday night at Toyota Field, the Rocket City Trash Pandas (23-35) captured their second consecutive victory, knocking off the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (30-30) 5-4. Mitch Farris struck out 10 batters over 6.1 innings, allowing the Pandas' offense to overcome a 3-0 deficit. The win gives Rocket
Pandas walk off Pensacola on Cole Fontenelle's 10th inning single
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (22-35) bounced back on Wednesday with a 5-4 walk-off victory over the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (30-29), thanks to Cole Fontenelle's RBI single in the 10th inning. The Pandas out-hit the Blue Wahoos 12-11 and received another quality start from pitcher Walbert Ureña.
Hurtado stymies Barons 3-1 on Saturday night
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Joel Hurtado (W, 5-4) delivered his team-best sixth quality start of the season on Saturday night, leading the Rocket City Trash Pandas (21-33) to a 3-1 victory over the Birmingham Barons (30-25). The win gives Rocket City a 3-2 advantage in the series, heading into the finale
Barons win slogfest over Trash Pandas 11-6
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Nelson Rada extended his league-leading on-base streak to 15 games on Friday night, but the Rocket City Trash Pandas (20-33) fell 11-6, their second straight loss to the Birmingham Barons (30-24) at Regions Field. Rada recorded his fourth three-hit game of the season, finishing 3-for-5 with a
Trash Pandas shut out Barons 1-0 in Rickwood Classic
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (20-31) continued their winning ways on Wednesday afternoon, grabbing a 1-0 victory over the Birmingham Barons (28-24) during the Rickwood Classic. With this win, the Trash Pandas improved to 6-2 over their last eight games and took a 2-0 lead in the
Pandas start road trip with extra-inning win over Barons
The Rocket City Trash Pandas (19-31) started their six-game road series in Birmingham on Tuesday night with a 3-2 victory over the Birmingham Barons (28-23) in 10 innings. This win improved the Pandas' record to 5-2 in their last seven games as the series moves to historic Rickwood Field on
Sam Aldegheri recalled by Angels, Blankenhorn begins rehab assignment
MADISON, Ala. – The Los Angeles Angels made the following roster moves on Monday, impacting the Rocket City Trash Pandas. They have recalled left-handed pitcher Sam Aldegheri, who will be joining the team in Boston. Additionally, outfielder Travis Blankenhorn has begun a rehabilitation assignment with the ACL Angels. This season,
Trash Pandas beat Shuckers 2-1 on Saturday behind Hurtado, homers and 7,162 fans at Toyota Field
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (18-30) picked up a 2-1 victory over the Biloxi Shuckers (29-21) on Saturday night, thanks to two solo home runs and a quality start from Joel Hurtado. The win secured the series victory for the Trash Pandas, as they have taken four
Streaking Pandas sweep doubleheader from Shuckers
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (17-29) swept a doubleheader against the Biloxi Shuckers (28-20) on Thursday night at Toyota Field, winning game one 2-1 and game two 4-1. The sweep extended their winning streak to three games, taking a 3-0 series lead over the first-place Shuckers. Rocket
Bullpen comes up big in 3-2 win over Shuckers
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (15-29) returned to Toyota Field for the first time since May 11 and picked up a 3-2 victory over the Biloxi Shuckers (28-18) on Wednesday night. All three of the Pandas' runs came in the fifth inning, ignited by a solo home
Welcome Home: Daly returns to the Rocket City
Mitch Daly’s baseball career started in Madison as a Bob Jones Patriot before taking him to Texas, Kentucky, and the rest of the country, chasing his dream of playing in the Major Leagues. Wednesday marks his return to Madison, making his home debut for the Rocket City Trash Pandas after
Trash Pandas Unveil Two New Alternate Identities: The Bama Butts and Alabama White Sauce
MADISON, Ala. – Barbecue in Alabama isn't just food—it's part of our identity. The Rocket City Trash Pandas are thrilled to announce two new alternate identities for 2025, the Bama Butts and Alabama White Sauce! The identities will be unleashed and the team will wear these specialty uniforms during a
Homestand Highlights: May 27 - June 1 vs. Biloxi Shuckers
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas return to Toyota Field for their fourth homestand of the 2025 season, welcoming the Milwaukee Brewers affiliate Biloxi Shuckers, May 28 – June 1. The homestand features a promotional lineup that includes the following highlights: Wednesday, May 28 | First Pitch: 6:35
Toyota Field welcomes summer with a variety of events for fans of all ages
MADISON, Ala. – Toyota Field is thrilled to welcome summer with a variety of events for fans of all ages. Kicking off today at 4:00 pm, the Trash Pandas will host The Big Ol' Ballpark Fair and Yoga in the Outfield. Other upcoming events include the rescheduled Rocket City Spring
Pandas use six-run sixth to earn late-night win on Saturday in Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (14-28) endured a 69-minute rain delay on Saturday night in Chattanooga and then utilized a six-run sixth inning to secure an 8-5 victory over the Chattanooga Lookouts (21-22). The Trash Pandas recorded 11 hits and worked nine walks in a game that