Ballpark Digest is previewing what every MLB team is doing to begin the season, both on and off the field, as the 2019 campaign is around the corner. Up next: the Kansas City Royals and Kauffman Stadium.
A new season at Kauffman Stadium brings a wide array of new food items from the Royals and concessionaire Aramark. Changes for 2019 are not stopping with concession food, however, as the Royals are also rolling out a few other initiatives this season, including revamped ticket offerings.
The mix of new few items at Kauffman Stadium this year features some distinct options, ranging from burgers and sandwiches to desserts and vegan and gluten-free items. On the sandwich side, one of the notable additions is the Artisan Chicken Sandwich (pictured above), which can come grilled or fried and features roasted garlic aioli, candied bacon, pepper jack cheese, heirloom tomato, lettuce, avocado and fried egg, on a split top glazed roll. Korean BBQ is joining the menu as well, featuring Smoked pork kielbasa, BBQ sauce, and daikon kimchi slaw.
Two interesting burgers have been added to the Kauffman Stadium menu. One is the BBQ Burger, a single or double burger, topped with melted cheese, smoked pulled pork, onion rings and Sweet Baby Rays BBQ sauce. In addition, the ballpark will now feature the Bullpen Burger, an angus patty, topped with secret sauce, lettuce, tomato and onion, and served on a toasted buttered bun.
The 2019 season will also see the introduction of Beyond Sausage, a vegan and gluten free option. Beyond Sausage is a 100% plant-based sausage served with sauerkraut.
For dessert, fans can seek out the Chocolate Strawberry Swiss Roll. The item features a chocolate sponge cake, swirled with strawberry jam and white chocolate mousse, rolled in milk chocolate ganache.
Concessions are also being shaken up as the result of new partnerships the Royals have struck for 2019. Chickie & Pete’s will bring a menu that includes its famous crab fries to the ballpark, serving up cuisine at a concession stand on the third-base side. Fans can also look for Ball Park Hot Dogs products throughout Kauffman Stadium this season. For drink options, a partnership with Jim Beam will bring some new elements to Kauffman Stadium. Jim Beam is the naming partner for the Jim Beam Barrel Bar on the Lexus Level and a concession cart on the main concourse, and will serve signature cocktails at both locations.
The food and drink offerings at Kauffman Stadium were clearly an area of focus for the Royals as they prepared for the 2019 season, but a few other initiatives are also being introduced this year. This season will mark the debut of The Keep at Kauffman Stadium, a new fanatic seating area located in the outfield in Section 203. Part of a 15-game ticket package that mostly features contests that include giveaways and special promotions against marquee opponents, The Keep at Kauffman Stadium also provides fans with volunteer opportunities through Royals Charities. In addition, those who purchase the 15-game ticket package receive a Keepsake Box that includes custom merchandise.
The Royals are also adding to the Ballpark Pass trend with the new Royals Ballpark Access Pass. Royals Ballpark Access Pass offers a monthly subscription at $29.99 per month for guaranteed standing-room access to all regular-season home games, including Opening Day on March 28, as well as high-demand and weekend games. Access will come through the MLB Ballpark App, and fans can purchase seat upgrades (subject to availability) through the app.
Image courtesy Kansas City Royals.
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