Veggie Cheesesteak and Creamy Smoothies Keep Phillies Among the Elite
For Immediate Release:
May 18, 2011
Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382
Philadelphia — After four straight years of unequalled domination of first place, Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies, has slipped to an honorable second-place finish in PETA's 10th annual rankings of the Top 10 Vegetarian-Friendly Ballparks. The ballpark's lineup of delicious options this year includes the venerable veggie dog, spicy Southwestern black-bean burger, mock-steak sandwich, breaded faux-chicken sandwich, tangy hummus, and dairy-free strawberry, banana, and mango smoothies. There's also the old standby, the PB&J sandwich.
"It's hard to tell what's more loaded: the Phillies' starting rotation or Citizens Bank Park's vegetarian menu," says PETA Associate Director Chris Holbein. "With so many great animal- and health-friendly vegetarian options available, eating smart while cheering on the Phillies has never been easier."
Ousting the Phils from the throne after lying in wait for four years in second place is the San Francisco Giants' AT&T Park, which offers fans a veggie dog, veggie burger, portobello mushroom sandwich, veggie sushi, Asian noodles with vegetables, and meatless burrito. Rounding out the top 10 are Comerica Park (Detroit Tigers), Turner Field (Atlanta Braves), Coors Field (Colorado Rockies), Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum (Oakland Athletics), PETCO Park (San Diego Padres), Angel Stadium (Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim), Minute Maid Park (Houston Astros), and Miller Park (Milwaukee Brewers).
Top athletes, including slugger Prince Fielder, MMA fighter Jake Shields, NBA legend John Salley, NFL running back Ricky Williams, and Olympic great Carl Lewis, look to meatless meals to boost their health and help stop cruelty to animals. And a trip to ballpark concession stands confirms that many fans are getting the message too.
In a new PETA ad, the Phillies' second baseman Chase Utley urges fans to adopt dogs and cats from animal shelters and never to buy from breeders or pet stores.
Each team on the Top 10 Vegetarian-Friendly Ballparks list will receive a framed certificate from PETA. For more information and to see the complete list of winners, please click here.