ARLINGTON, VA – Summer is for two of America’s greatest activities – rice farming and baseball – and the USA Rice scouting report indicates that this year rice is a growing presence on concession menus throughout major league ballparks.
Baseball fans that endured COVID-restricted seasons and the threat of a lockout are now back in full force and being welcomed to their favorite parks with new promotions, stadium innovations, and, most importantly, menu offerings that include a wide range of rice options to choose from as they take in a game over the next four months.
Outside of video replay and use of the Designated Hitter, the biggest trend for the 2022 season is at concession stands with foodservice providers such as Aramark, Legends Hospitality, Delaware North, and Sodexo expanding their culinary focus by offering fans high-quality and local food options in addition to stadium classics.
“Now more than ever, consumers are placing value on the ability to get out into the world and enjoy unparalleled experiences … by embracing the unique qualities of each venue and enjoying creative cuisine,” said Alison Birdwell, president and CEO of Aramark Sports + Entertainment.
Like Aramark, Legends Hospitality has new food and drink lineups at stadiums throughout the major leagues to give everyone at the games a unique “fan experience.”
“Ninety percent of major league baseball parks offer a rice option for hungry fans looking for healthy options, gluten-free choices, local brands, or the novelty of new culinary concepts,” said John Hasbrook, California rice miller and chair of the USA Rice Foodservice Subcommittee. “And many of these new, diverse, high-quality food options are made with U.S.-grown rice.”
The lineup of rice options range from Spam musubi in Seattle to horchata milkshakes in Chicago to Cha-Cha Bowls featuring jerk chicken and rice covered with pineapple salsa in San Francisco, enough to have major league fans thinking rice into the post-season.
Go
here for a list of some of the standout rice offerings U.S rice fans will find at stadiums across the country this summer.