Fan Experience

MLB launches ‘Ballpark Bites’ food delivery menu

Featured image credit: Major League Baseball

Major League Baseball has teamed up with Virtual Dining Concepts (VDC) to launch a new ballpark-inspired menu that will be available on food delivery apps across the US.

Ballpark Bites can be ordered in nearly 400 locations around the country, with more availability coming throughout the year.

MLB has launched the initiative to enable fans to enjoy their favourite ballpark snacks from the comfort of their home or office. The menu will be available on food delivery service apps such as Doordash, Postmates and Uber Eats.

Items on the menu will include chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, doughnuts, cheesesteaks and more. The food will be delivered in custom Ballpark Bites packaging adorned with the MLB logo, ballpark décor and customised QR codes linking to unique promotions that change during the season.

At launch, the QR codes on Ballpark Bites boxes will offer 20% off an MLBShop.com merchandise order. A range of other promotions featuring MLB partners plan to be offered in the coming months.

Throughout the season, a Ballpark Bites food truck will also visit baseball and cultural events, such as MLB at Rickwood Field, MLB All-Star Week, Hall of Fame Weekend and MLB postseason games.

Karin Timpone, MLB executive vice-president and chief marketing officer, said: “Ballpark food is truly unique to baseball and all 30 of our wonderful clubs. We understand that not everyone has the opportunity to visit an MLB or MiLB ballpark, so we wanted to create Ballpark Bites for fans to enjoy a part of that experience from the comfort of their own home, a local park or even at work. We think this is another fun way to connect with our fans on their schedule and let them enjoy a distinctive part of our game more often.”

Mastercard, an MLB sponsor since 1997, will serve as the presenting partner of Ballpark Bites. Mastercard will be the preferred payment of the initiative, with anyone who uses Mastercard at one of the trucks to receive a discount.

Rustom Dastoor, executive vice-president of marketing and communications at Mastercard North America, added: “Sports and culinary are huge passion points for our cardholders, and Ballpark Bites is a fantastic way to marry them.

“We’ve worked alongside MLB for nearly three decades, leaning into what avid baseball fans care most about – memorable experiences that can be accessed no matter where they are. It’s about unlocking new touchpoints for cardholders and curating more opportunities that get them closer to the action. We’re looking forward to continuing to provide more experiences throughout the season.”