NEW YORK — It's MLB Opening Day 2015, the official start of the season for America's pastime. But as millions of Americans descend upon the nation's ballparks, they're not just going to root, root, root for the home team. They're also going to be eating some greasy, cheesy, gooey grub.
Ballpark food is so much more than peanuts and Cracker Jacks these days. You can now get sushi when you watch the Washington Nationals play, a big, fat, juicy steak at Yankees Stadium and wine when you go to catch the Phillies.
However, for every classy delicacy you stumble upon at the ballpark, you'll find something so totally bizarre that no human should ever consume just waiting to be devoured at the next concession stand. Stadiums are hoping that the more over-the-top foods they serve, the more spectators they'll be able to fill seats with.
Well, the Internet certainly has never seen a crazy, new food it didn't like, so creating these lavish hybrid menu items gets the stadiums some publicity in this day and age at least. Here are the eight best ballpark food monstrosities that definitely demand your attention this Opening Day.
1. Krispy Kreme Doughnut Hot Dog At The Wilmington Blue Rocks' Frawley Stadium
Full ingredient list in @WilmBlueRocks donut hot dog (donut bun, hot dog, bacon & raspberry jelly) pic.twitter.com/6GTY84rnh3
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) March 11, 2015
This treat at the home of the Delaware Minor League team could give you a sugar rush and a heart attack at the same time. It's a hot dog covered in bacon and raspberry jam, all snuggled up in a Krispy Kreme "donut bun." When the treat was revealed last month, it still didn't have a name. That's probably because this monstrosity is downright indescribable.
2. Inside The Park Nachos At The Milwaukee Brewers' Miller Park
Here’s a pic of that Brewers ball park snack “Inside the Park Nachos” - Taco meat, crusted in Doritos on a stick pic.twitter.com/pOuOkJonIe
— Jeff G. (@TheSportsDude) March 25, 2015These may look like fancy corn dogs, but oh no. They are beasts all on their own filled with taco meat, surrounded by Doritos, topped with cheese sauce and sour cream and served with salsa. This dish may be called Inside the Park Nachos, but it is definitely outside the box.
3. The Hammer At The Atlanta Braves' Turner Field
Fried chicken sandwich on waffle bread. It's not heaven, it's our Concession Item of the Week http://t.co/LkviAjmyckpic.twitter.com/sxk4irBlFx
— SI Extra Mustard (@SI_ExtraMustard) October 1, 2014
A snack named after former MLB career home run leader and Braves outfielder "Hammerin'" Hank Aaron had to be just as epic. The Hammer served at Turner Field certainly accomplishes that goal. The sandwich includes fried chicken, bacon, cheese and onions smack-dab in between two waffles, because why not?
4. The Boomstick At The Texas Rangers' Globe Life Park
@Rangers OBVIOUSLY the Boomstick!!! #RangersRewardspic.twitter.com/ovNcMLT1b2
— Shell-O (@ShellOTheAngel) March 30, 2015
Did this dish get its name because eating it will probably make you explode? The Boomstick is a two-foot-long, all-beef hot dog weighing one pound with chili, nacho cheese and grilled onions on top. I'm feeling a little quesy just thinking about it.
5. The StrasBurger At The Washington Nationals' Nationals Park
@danajacobson@TBDintheAM the StrasBurger at Nats park. 8lb burger. Costs $60. #BallparkFoodpic.twitter.com/FtRcRrxyuj
— Nick Florida (@NickFlowXX) July 10, 2014The length of an entire baseball game is probably not enough time to finish eating the StrasBurger, an eight-pound, all-beef burger topped with a secret sauce, American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions and pickle chips on a ginormous bun. If that wasn't enough for you, you also get a choice of french fries or a pitcher of the soda of your choice on the side. The StrasBurger will also set you back a cool $59, so not only is it one of the hugest ballpark foods you'll ever see, but it's also probably one of the most expensive.