The regular football season for the Miami Dolphins kicks off in Washington this Sunday. The team's first home game is against the Buffalo Bills Sept. 27, and on that day fans will notice some changes -- especially to the food.
Last week, the team's hospitality provider, Centerplate, announced changes to the menu. Ben Metzger is the concessions and retail manager. He says it was all about creating a local flavor for the fans.
Concessions can generate millions for a team. The San Francisco 49ers made almost $7 million last year just in concessions and merchandise sales. The change isn't new. What is a little different is the sorts of options the Dolphins plan to offer starting this year.
Some of the local flavor will include well known foods from some of South Florida's more famous restaurants. One of them is Cuban fare from Versailles Cafe onCalleOcho.
Metzger said that making these choices was really about listening to the fans and understanding their tastes.
The new options will include: Bodega Taqueria y Tequilla in Sections 142A, 329 and 345A; Cafe Versailles in Sections 119A, 242A and 347; Goya (offered during the pre-game on the Grand Plaza); Kosher Central in Section 111; Paradise Cups in Section 154, and Sloppy Joe's Bar in Section 106, 144A and 317A.
It is not a new move by NFL teams to bring fans in. Last season Aramark, the food and beverage partner of 11 teams, created the Tribute Menu Series to give each stadium a local flavor. Football teams are always trying different flavors to give fans variety. Sometimes those choices can be delicious options such as grilled fish tacos at Qualcomm Stadium (San Diego) or Pac and Cheese at Lambeau Field (GreenBay). There are also some foods that teeter on the edge of ridiculousness like the Game Changer, a sandwich with pulled pork, Mac and cheese, Cole slaw, onion rings and bacon. You can get that at Atlanta Falcon games.
Are these the best choices for Dolphins' fans? Or did they miss the chance for something else?
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