CINCINNATI -- The only thing that could rival a Reds fan’s appetite for a new season of baseball is a Reds fan’s actual appetite. Luckily for Reds Country, Great American Ball Park has you covered.
Executive chef Gary Davis and his staff welcomed local media members to Great American Ball Park on Friday for the Reds’ annual food preview. Always a popular event -- the promise of free food has that effect on people -- the Handlebar at GABP was packed with TV, radio and local media personalities from 11 a.m. -- 1 p.m. If there was one takeaway from the event, it’s that no fan should leave Great American Ball Park on an empty stomach in 2024.
Chef Davis is entering his seventh season leading the Delaware North team at GABP and still cooking up new cuisine. Fresh takes on old favorites, tasty combinations incorporating Cincinnati staples, and culturally inspired items highlight this year’s menus across GABP, accompanied as always by classic ballpark fare.
Specialty hot dogs and sausages, bold dishes featuring brisket and pulled pork, and so much more will be new this season. Many local partners are back at the ballpark this season including 50 West, which introduces the Loaded Bases Nacho Burger. This Mexican-style double smashburger includes lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and tortilla strips served on a potato bun with crinkle cut fries and a souvenir helmet filled with FUNacho Cheese for dipping. The burger will also be available at 50 West Brewing Company.
If your tastebuds are looking for something outside the bun, fans can add tacos to their gameday experience with Gary’s Taco Cart, located by the 50 West stand in the First Star Fan Zone. Options will include carne asada or chicken adobo, complete with various fixings and sauces.
And back by popular demand -- with a twist in 2024 -- are the coveted Skyline Nachos.
“The Skyline Nachos were the biggest hit last year and took off way more than I expected,” Davis said. “They got a lot of attention and became a viral sensation. We wanted to bring them back, but this season they will be in a souvenir helmet.”
In addition to its boost in presentation, let’s be honest: Everything tastes better out of a helmet. Just ask soft serve ice cream or the aforementioned FUNacho Cheese.
Aside from specific food items, one major addition fans will notice along the third-base concourse is the Food Hub. This walk-in, grab ‘n go marketplace features concession stands from Penn Station, Wings and Rings, and LaRosa’s -- plus hot dogs, snacks and drinks. Thirty-two self-service checkouts have been installed at the Food Hub for faster and more efficient transactions, allowing fans to make quick purchases and get back to watching the game.
“It’s going to be great,” Davis said. “We want to get fans through very quickly, so what you’ll see is the food laid out in clear containers of the item that you want. All items, including beverages, will have a barcode on it. So you pick it up, walk over, scan it, pay for it and off you go. Hopefully the whole transaction, depending on how fast you are, will last about a minute, and then you can get right back to your seat.”
Craving more? Visit reds.com/food for all your food needs at Great American Ball Park!
Here are some of the featured items you can find at Great American Ball Park this season:
- Hempler’s Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage
- Grilled jalapeño cheddar sausage, ballpark kraut and mustard; served on a J&J toasted pretzel bun
- Sold in Scouts Alley, Food Bar Section 109
- Hempler’s All-Beef Hot Dog
- New all-beef sponsor for 2024
- Sold at all Porkopolis concession stands, Scouts Alley and Food Bar Section 109
- Big Red Dog
- Grilled Big Red Smokey wrapped in bacon, topped with pimento cheese and signature sauce; served on a toasted pretzel bun
- Sold in Scouts Alley, Porkopolis at Sections 117, 128, 416 and 425
- Bratter Up
- Grilled and skewered Glier’s bratwurst, topped with American cheese, bacon and signature sauce
- Sold at Food Bar Section 129
- Smoker Nachos
- Nacho chips topped with Montgomery Inn pulled pork or chicken, pickled jalapeños, onions, cucumbers and a jalapeño crema sauce
- Sold at Montgomery Inn Smokehouse
- Brisket & Cheese Hoagie
- Montgomery Inn smoked brisket topped with peppers, onions, banana peppers, queso cheese and barbecue sauce; served on a potato sub roll
- Sold at the Montgomery Inn Smokehouse
- Brisket Mac Dog
- Grilled brisket sausage, topped with mac & cheese and Montgomery Inn barbecue sauce; served on a toasted pretzel bun
- Sold at the Montgomery Inn Smokehouse