Ballpark Digest is previewing what every MLB team is doing to begin the season, both on and off the field, as the 2019 season is underway. Up next: the New York Mets and Citi Field.
The 2019 season is one that will see the Mets celebrate their history, while continuing to embrace unique concession concepts at Citi Field. The Mets and concessionaire Aramark are introducing several notable new food items for 2019, and the team is making plans to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1969 Miracle Mets.
In recent years, the Mets have not been afraid to shake up the food and beverage options at Citi Field–perhaps best exemplified by last year’s opening of the Mikkeller brewery. This season sees that trend continue, with a unique slate of food options that includes the The Champ Sliders (above)–a New York City Wine & Food Festival Burger Bash 2018 winning burger from chef Patrick Schaeffer. The dish features burger sliders consisting of ground dry-aged beef, Millionaire’s bacon, Cipollini onion agro dolce, and sharp cheddar cheese fondue, served on a potato bun.
For hot dog varieties, fans can seek out a couple of unique options. One of them is the Bases Loaded Dog, a Nathan’s foot long hot dog, topped with cheddar fondue, Applewood smoked bacon and green onions, served on a potato roll. In addition, Citi Field is also adding the Chili Cheese Crunch Dog to its menu. This offering includes a Nathan’s foot long hot dog, topped with beef chili, cheddar cheese, Fritos corn chips and green onions, served on a potato roll.
Vegan fare will be the emphasis at the Marty’s V Burger stand, with the menu items including a Beyond Bratwurst and an Original–a Beyond Burger with melted cheddar “cheese,” special sauce, pickles, and lettuce. The Mets and Aramark are also teaming up to bring a tater tot offering to Citi Field in the form of the Loaded Buffalo Topped Tots. This season will also see the introduction of Pizza Cupcake, served in two varieties, including margherita and pepperoni. For a new dessert item, Citi Field is offering the Stuf’d S’mores Nutella Bites–graham cracker crusted challah bread French toast filled with a swirl of Nutella, marshmallow fluff and dark chocolate chunks, topped with a maple dulce de leche syrup and toasted marshmallow.
The 2019 season will mark a special anniversary for the Mets, as the franchise is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its first World Series title in 1969. In recognition of the occasion, Citi Field’s Mets Hall Of Fame & Museum has been updated to feature new artifacts from the 1969 season. The Mets are also planning a weekend-long celebration of the 1969 team from June 28-30, including a pregame ceremony that will take place on June 29.
Last but not least, it is expected that the Mets will honor Hall of Famer and franchise icon Tom Seaver during the season. It was recently announced by his family that Seaver, 74, has been diagnosed with dementia and is retiring from public life. He will not be attending 1969 anniversary celebrations at Citi Field, but the Mets are reportedly working to change the official address of Citi Field to 41 Tom Seaver Way. The change could be formally announced in June, with a statue of Seaver reportedly in the works for a 2020 unveiling.
Image courtesy Aramark.
RELATED STORIES: 2019 Preview: St. Louis Cardinals, Busch Stadium; 2019 Preview: Cleveland Indians, Progressive Field; 2019 Preview: Houston Astros, Minute Maid Park; 2019 Preview: Detroit Tigers, Comerica Park; 2019 Preview: Chicago White Sox, Guaranteed Rate Field; 2019 Preview: Arizona Diamondbacks, Chase Field; 2019 Preview: San Francisco Giants; Oracle Park; 2019 Preview: Atlanta Braves, SunTrust Park; 2019 Preview: Pittsburgh Pirates, PNC Park; 2019 Preview: Tampa Bay Rays, Tropicana Field; 2019 Preview: Minnesota Twins, Target Field; 2019 Preview: Texas Rangers, Globe Life Park; 2019 Preview: San Diego Padres, Petco Park; 2019 Preview: Los Angeles Dodgers, Dodger Stadium; 2019 Preview: Toronto Blue Jays, Rogers Centre; 2019 Preview: Kansas City Royals, Kauffman Stadium; 2019 Preview: Milwaukee Brewers, Miller Park; 2019 Preview: Cincinnati Reds, Great American Ball Park; 2019 Preview: New York Yankees, Yankee Stadium; 2019 Preview: Philadelphia Phillies, Citizens Bank Park; 2019 Preview: Miami Marlins, Marlins Park; 2019 Preview: Oakland A’s, Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum; 2019 Preview: Seattle Mariners, T-Mobile Park; 2019 Preview: Washington Nationals, Nationals Park