Why Is PETA Making a Big Deal About These Minor League Stadiums?

You might not find Derek Jeter, David Ortiz, Adam Jones, or Justin Verlander at a minor league stadium, but you will find some great-tasting vegetarian and vegan food. Check out the lineup of meat-free options at the following stadiums, which were named to PETA’s 2014 list of the Top Five Vegetarian-Friendly Minor League Ballparks:

1. Werner Park
   The vegan food at the Omaha (Nebraska) Storm Chasers’ stadium is so good that it belongs in the big leagues. From black-bean burgers and the Philly Cheese Phake with beef-free and chicken-free strips to tofu dogs and portobello sliders—all of which can be made vegan without cheese—it’s easy to see why Werner took first place, for the first time, this year.

2. Coca-Cola Field
   You can get much more than soda at the Buffalo (New York) Bisons’ ballpark, including a veggie burger, a made-to-order veggie sandwich, and vegan vegetable wraps. Not bad for its debut on PETA’s vegetarian-friendly stadium scorecard!

3. McCoy Stadium
   The home of the Pawtucket (Rhode Island) Red Sox moved up in the standings since last year, when it received an honorable mention. Among other vegan options, the folks at McCoy offer a veggie burger, a veggie dog, and hummus and pita chips.

4. Cheney Stadium
   If you go to see the Tacoma (Washington) Rainiers, be sure to check out the meat-free fare, such as veggie dogs and rice and beans, at the ballpark, too. There’s a reason why the stadium is often a contender on PETA’s list.

5. Herschel Greer Stadium
   The vegetarian options at Herschel Greer Stadium, the home of the Nashville (Tennessee) Sounds, are music to an animal-friendly fan’s ears: veggie dogs, vegetarian baked beans, pasta salad, and more.

Honorable Mentions

• AutoZone Park: Fans of the Memphis (Tennessee) Redbirds can enjoy spicy black-bean burgers with barbecue chips, grilled veggie wraps, and cheese-free pasta salad primavera. Or for a refreshing treat, simply top the afternoon off with fresh fruit salad in a souvenir pilsner.
• Raley Field: The next time you watch the Sacramento (California) River Cats play at Raley Field, stop by The Show for a vegetarian black bean burger, toasted salad with beans, or vegetarian Italian sausage with peppers and onions. You’ll be a fan of the team—and the food!

Making PETA’s list of top vegetarian-friendly stadiums is a sought-after honor. If your local ballpark isn’t on this list, urge it to offer more vegetarian options. Who knows? Maybe next season, it’ll make a run for first place.