Though the culinary plans for the new Nationals ballpark in Anacostia are still being finalized, one thing is for certain — half smokes will be on the menu.
Stamford, Conn.-based Centerplate has been selected as the concessions and merchandising provider for the new stadium, the company announced Tuesday.
Centerplate already provides the concessions for the Washington Convention Center and for FedEx Field.
Financial terms of the Nationals contract werenot disclosed.
The fare is going to be a mix of traditional ballpark food and regional specialties, according to Bob Pascal, corporate vice president of marketing for Centerplate.
The company plans to incorporate ingredients from local farmers, cheesemakers and butchers, he said. There also will be D.C.-centric items such as cherry pies (to represent the cherry blossom trees) and seafood, as well as the aforementioned half smokes. The company also is investigating partnerships with local restaurants to provide fare.
“We want to ensure that whatever we’re doing, it’s not cookie-cutter; it’s something that’s meaningful to someone in the D.C. region,” Pascal said.
Centerplate has taken a similar approach in previous venues; at AT&T Park in San Francisco, fare includes everything from 40-clove garlic chicken sandwiches to stands devoted to specific neighborhoods, such as the Italian-centric North Beach.
“We try and do this in each market,” Pascal said.
The company is meeting with team members this week to brainstorm ideas for souvenirs, Pascal said.
