Finally, traditional sporting events have modernized their traditional fare; baseball stadiums across North America have been rated on a scale of veggie-friendliness.
While peanuts and Cracker Jack are probably vegetarian, in the past they’ve been close to the only such items available for vegetarians at sporting events. Apparently, times are a-changing: PETA has named the most vegetarian-friendly stadiums in America.
Taking top honours was Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Famous for their cheesesteaks, it was an unlikely victory; however, the addition of a vegetarian “faux-meat” cheesesteak captured them the title. Veggie hoagies, garden burgers, and vegan hot dogs acted as the supporting line-up. Interestingly, having a garden burger on the menu was enough to earn this stadium a spot on the list last year.
Coming in second was the AT&T Park in San Francisco with more exotic offerings like veggie sushi, Portobello sandwiches and my favourite – nachos with beans.
Hopefully, the trend will spill over to other gatherings like fairs and festivals (it was several years ago I went to a Medieval Fayre. Though I didn’t expect many vegetarian options, all I could find was a fruit cup, though I did scrounge up some mead). Perhaps vegetarian ballpark fare is also a nod to those seeking healthier alternatives to butter-drenched popcorn and fatty hot dogs...though I’m not sure cheesesteak (real or not) fits into that category.
It’s been several years since I’ve taken in a Major League ball game, but I might be more inclined to do so now that there are options available. For once, maybe my stomach won’t be growling if it goes to extra innings.
Reference: Peta.org:
