Comerica Park Adds New Menu Items, Wi-Fi, Restaurant For Tigers Season (Video)
By Edward Cardenas
DETROIT (CBS Detroit) - Fans attending Tigers games this year can dine on a twist on the traditional hot dog, purchase Opening Day dirt and get their sweetie a Dooney & Bourke bag while surfing the web all at Comerica Park.
In advance of Opening Day, Tigers officials unveiled new offerings at food stands, memorabilia shops and the game used authentics booth which fans will be able to find throughout the season.
Some of the more unique food items include a Coney dog quesadilla, bacon topped with deviled eggs, along with gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options at food stands throughout the stadium.
"We just try to change it up to see what the fans like. We keep the fan favorites, but we don't want to fall behind," said Mark Szubeczak, executive chef for Sportservice at Comerica Park. "We just want to keep it exciting and give fans options if they want options."
These unique items - including queso pork rinds, a hot dog topped with nacho cheese and served in a pretzel roll and foot-long coney dog - are new to the stadium this season.
He also revealed that the space that housed the former Leo's Coney Island will reopen in May as a new restaurant that will draw upon the history of the Tigers and Tiger Stadium. It will be open during the week, and on game weekends.
As fans take in the game, and their dining options, they will be able to surf the web with the ease on a new, free Wi-Fi network added to the stadium during the off-season. Later this year, cellular phones users will find enhanced service.
In addition to these options, the Tigers are offering 32 giveaway dates during the seasons, 17 special events and 16 postgame fireworks shows. Some of the new giveaways include Victor Martinez, Yoenis Cespedes and David Price bobbleheads, rally time floppy hat and Detroit Stars scarf.
"It is important that fans feel that they are getting their money's worth when they come to the ballpark, both on the field and with the items that they receive," said Eli Bayless, Tigers director of promotions and special events.
The team also added new merchandise this season including Dooney & Burke bags, baby accessories and Columbia Sportswear apparel.
For fans that want to take a piece of the game home with them, there are new items offered through the authentics program including Opening Day bottles of dirt, bases and baseballs.
Fans will have get their first look at the new offerings, and the 2015 team, on Opening Day. The first pitch against the Minnesota Twins will be at 1:08 p.m. Monday.
