Looking ahead to Opening Day and the 2009 All-Star Game, St. Louis baseball fans are gearing up for one of the most memorable years in Cardinals baseball history.
ST. LOUIS (March 27, 2009) – Looking ahead to Opening Day and the 2009 All-Star Game, St. Louis baseball fans are gearing up for one of the most memorable years in Cardinals baseball history. Delaware North Companies Sportservice, the St. Louis Cardinals’ concessionaire and retail partner for more than 50 years, is ready to help fans celebrate the experience with a starting lineup of food and retail that offers more value than ever before.
“Serving as hosts of the 2009 All-Star Game means that The Official Cardinals Team Store will stock exclusive souvenirs and apparel in time for Opening Day,” said
Dan Fetcho, Sportservice district manager. “Cardinals fans can also commemorate the event with several items that are under $10. Better yet, on Opening Day, fans can stretch their dollars with a variety of new combo meals or several all-inclusive buffets throughout the stadium.”
Dan Fetcho, Sportservice district manager. “Cardinals fans can also commemorate the event with several items that are under $10. Better yet, on Opening Day, fans can stretch their dollars with a variety of new combo meals or several all-inclusive buffets throughout the stadium.”
On deck this year is a new nacho bar, enticing fans to pile on layers of their favorite toppings; combo packages that combine traditional fare with Cardinals souvenirs; and, back by popular demand, smoked beef brisket and pulled pork sandwiches, slowly cooked in Sportservice smokers and finished with St. Louis-style barbecue sauce. Other 2009 rookie deals include:
The New Coke Island at Gate 1: Adjacent to Gate 1, this newly transformed area inside the stadium will offer Cardinals fans a place to relax before and during the game. In addition to seating, fans can take advantage of live music and family-friendly entertainment on select dates. Here, fans will be introduced to Sportservice’s first-ever nacho buffet, where they can load up Busch Stadium’s No. 1 selling item with unlimited amounts of sour cream, fresh pico de gallo, pulled pork and a variety of mild or hot peppers and salsas.
Meal Deals: Fans seeking the quintessential ballpark experience will cheer for the “Taste of the Ballpark” package, which includes a traditional hot dog, a piping hot pretzel, nacho cheese dipping sauce, ballpark peanuts and Famous Amos cookies. Or, guests can take a souvenir home with the Cardinals’ Combo meal, which includes a choice of hot dog or
cheeseburger, fries, soda and a 2009 Cardinals souvenir cap. (Sportservice will change up the package throughout the season to offer a variety of collectable St. Louis Cardinals souvenirs.) Little Leaguers can also take a swing with the Kids’ Meal, featuring a hot dog, bag of chips, Famous Amos cookies and choice of milk or juice.
All-You-Can-Eat: For people looking to stretch their dollars even further, Busch Stadium offers more than 4,000 all-inclusive seats, incorporating two-hour, all-you-can-eat buffets located throughout the stadium. Depending on the area, these buffets give fans a choice of seating options and dining experiences – from picnic-style to fine dining. Many all-inclusive buffets feature live-action cooking, full-service bars and reserved seating, and depending on the area, flat screen TVs and air conditioning. (To learn about the amenities of specific locations, or take a virtual tour, visit http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/ticketing.) Many of the buffets will also spotlight Executive Chef Jeramie Mitchell’s smoked beef brisket, which is slathered with a made-from-scratch rub, then slow-smoked on site for 12 hours. This returning fan favorite is also available at the Broadway BBQ concession stand.
Exclusive Retail, For all Fans: Cardinals fans love to sport their red, and this year Sportservice is giving them access to exclusive retail options at every price. In honor of the 2009 All-Star Game, fans will have the opportunity to purchase All-Star merchandise throughout the season. This exclusive merchandise captures Cooperstown and other St. Louis historic baseball events. Other new items include t-shirts in more sizes than ever (from XS to 5X), fleece sweatshirts and exclusive Nike Golf polo shirts, for both men and women, from the Tiger Woods collection. The Official Team Store is also offering the “Top 10 under $10” pieces of Cardinals memorabilia – so that everyone can take a piece of the game home. The Top 10 includes:
1. Foam fingers
2. Mini bobble-head Fredbirds
3. Posters
4. Baseballs
5. Bats
6. Coaster sets
7. Jewelry
8. Pennants
9. Face paint
10. Mugs and glassware
St. Louis fans can also personalize their homes with an expanded selection of Cardinals-branded home goods, including cozy redbird comforters and blankets, along with a selection of Cardinals pillows.
1. Foam fingers
2. Mini bobble-head Fredbirds
3. Posters
4. Baseballs
5. Bats
6. Coaster sets
7. Jewelry
8. Pennants
9. Face paint
10. Mugs and glassware
St. Louis fans can also personalize their homes with an expanded selection of Cardinals-branded home goods, including cozy redbird comforters and blankets, along with a selection of Cardinals pillows.
Returning Fan Favorites: Traditional ballpark favorites returning in 2009 include:
hot dogs, cheeseburgers, hand-rolled pretzels, chicken quesadillas, spicy calzones, Italian sausage and pizza. The fry action station will also return; guests can dress their fries with Cajun seasoning, garlic-parmesan cheese or chili cheese. On the lighter side, Sportservice offers grilled chicken sandwiches, veggie burgers, veggie burritos and salads. For dessert, fans can top it all off with Ben & Jerry’s ice cream or a bionic-sized homemade cupcake.
hot dogs, cheeseburgers, hand-rolled pretzels, chicken quesadillas, spicy calzones, Italian sausage and pizza. The fry action station will also return; guests can dress their fries with Cajun seasoning, garlic-parmesan cheese or chili cheese. On the lighter side, Sportservice offers grilled chicken sandwiches, veggie burgers, veggie burritos and salads. For dessert, fans can top it all off with Ben & Jerry’s ice cream or a bionic-sized homemade cupcake.
“Overall, our team has worked diligently to make sure that every fan can access their favorite ballpark food or souvenir – because we know it helps make the ballpark experience,” added Fetcho. “By creating more value for St. Louis, we’re hoping more fans will be able to enjoy an opportunity to relax and enjoy Cardinals baseball.”