Centerplate On Deck to Make World Series A Whole New Ballgame for Fans

STAMFORD, Conn., Oct. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Centerplate, hospitality partner for the San Francisco Giants and the largest provider of food and beverage services in North America's sports and entertainment industry, celebrates the World Series home opener at AT&T Park tonight with specialty foods, environmentally-friendly programs, and promotions designed to make the 2010 World Series in San Francisco the tastiest, greenest, most memorable Series to date.

For the Giants' first World Series appearance since 2002 and the tens of thousands of fans expected to attend, Centerplate is preparing to offer new items alongside San Francisco favorites.

"We're really excited," said Bill Greathouse, SVP for Centerplate. "Chefs and restaurateurs from around the country, like New York's Danny Meyer, have pointed to AT&T Park as the standard-setter for ballpark food. With our new environmental programs, it's all coming together to be a huge win for San Francisco – even before the Giants take the field."

Earlier this year, AT&T Park became the first ballpark to receive LEED Silver Certification for an existing building (one of the toughest standards to achieve), thanks to a commitment from The Giants, Centerplate, and other park operators and partners. New "green concessions" concepts and retrofits of existing cooking stations were designed to reduce cooking oil consumption and cut utility usage. Coupled with energy-efficient improvements to lighting, paint, and refrigeration equipment along with recyclable and compostable food containers, the environmental impact of enjoying some Garlic Fries at the park has been significantly reduced.

In San Francisco, food is a big part of what makes the city so special, so Centerplate is bringing its A-Game tonight with the hallmark Orlando's "Cha Cha Bowl," the iconic Crazy Crab'z sandwich—a generous helping of fresh Dungeness crab salad on garlic-toasted sourdough, served with an optional split of champagne that the New York Times called "arguably the best dish" in its baseball park tour—and the park's renowned Garlic Fries.

WORLD SERIES MENU HIGHLIGHTS: AT&T Park food tour.

The following favorites and new items are not to be missed for the San Francisco World Series:

• "Outta Here" Cheesesteaks joins the ballpark's neighborhood of signature menu concepts found in the Outfield Plaza serving classic Philly cheesesteak, San Francisco Chicken cheesesteak, grilled with fresh mushrooms and onions, and the Nor Cal Veggiesteak with freshly grilled mushrooms, zucchini, tomatoes, and onion from a diner-style grill.

• Centerplate's grilled sandwich menu adds a Caprese Sandwich served on sliced sourdough with mozzarella, tomato, and basil grilled and drizzled with balsamic dressing.  

• The Murph's Irish Pub concept has added a classic grilled Reuben along with a cheeseburger and chips combo.

• Pier 44 Chowder House will feature a Shrimp and Chips combo to go along with its other popular seafood concepts this season.

• On the other side of the park, the new "King St. Carvery" features hand-carved roasted turkey, beef brisket, and corned beef.

• Willie McCovey's Pulled Pork Sandwich and clam chowder in a Boudin's Sourdough Bread bowl are served in the park.

• Specialty Meats & Sausages will be represented through the new Saag's Deli Kiosk. Fan favorite meats and cheeses will be served on classic San Francisco breads. In addition, all ballpark Doggie Diners will be serving grilled Saag's Giants Polish Sausage.

• A larger selection of varietals from the ballpark's "California Wine Carts" includes Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, & Petite Syrah from Sterling, Chalone, and Brassfield wineries. The "Taste of North Beach" location will pour Italian Pinot Grigio, Chianti, and Sparkling Prosecco from the Friuli Region of Northern Italy.

Centerplate also serves as the specialty retail partner for the San Francisco Giants and the company has geared up for the massive fan demand for World Series memorabilia. Centerplate relied on its deep post-season experience and solid relationships with suppliers to ensure it will have sufficient topical and desirable merchandise on-hand.  The company assembled a team of retail specialists to oversee the logistical challenge of having the right items available in the right quantities for the series.  And with six times the number of sales locations for the World Series over a regular game, Centerplate has assured that every fan will have the opportunity to take home a memorable souvenir of their World Series experience.

About Centerplate

Centerplate crafts and delivers "Craveable Experiences. Raveable Results." in 250 prominent entertainment, sports and convention venues across North America—including 21 performing arts centers. Centerplate has provided services to Art Basel Miami Beach, 15 official U.S. Presidential Inaugural Balls, 12 Super Bowls, 20 World Series, key events for the Democratic and Republican National Conventions, and the largest plated dinner in history at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Centennial Celebration. Visit the company online at www.centerplate.com.

SOURCE Centerplate