That food's outta here: Citizens Bank Park, and its menu, voted one of best MLB stadiums

Damon C. Williams, Bucks County Courier Times
·4 min read

A USA TODAY panel has collectively spoken, and ranked Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia high on the "10Best" list as a top baseball stadium, and separately, for having some of the best food offered at any Major League Baseball park.

Every week, USA Today invites a panel of industry experts to nominate their favorite points of interest and attractions across a wide range of categories. USA Today's 10Best editors then publish the results on the "10Best" website.

Here's why Citizens Bank Park ranked so high.

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According to the "10Best" rankings, Citizens Bank Park was chosen as a top ballpark due to its amenities and overall vibe.

"The City of Brotherly Love welcomed a brand-new stadium in the 21st century, with Citizens Bank Park opening to the public in 2004," read a portion of USA TODAY's "10Best" stadium rankings. "Philadelphia Phillies games are a top attraction around here, but no visit to the park is complete without checking out Ashburn Alley, a site that's packed full of local restaurants and baseball-themed interactive displays."

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The Phillies have other amenities that drew the favor of voters.

According to the Philadelphia Phillies' features website, Citizens Bank also features interactive elements such as a 30-foot climbing wall; a bullpen speed pitch; a Hatfield Phillies franks Phanatic hot dog launcher; and the Citizens Phan Field.

"A wiffle ball field complete with a major-league-class dugout and MLB-quality padded outfield wall, as well as an AstroTurf-covered field that stretches 70-feet deep," read the Phillies' description of the Phan Field. "This authentic play area resembles the Phillies big-league field, with the diamond-orientation featuring a unique mural of the City skyline.

"Framing that view is a scaled-down version of the team's PhanaVision scoreboard and the iconic Liberty Bell, both clearly visible from the centrally located dugout."

PNC Park in Pittsburgh ranked sixth on USA Today's "10Best" list, due to its history and location.

"Constructed at the turn of the century to replace Pennsylvania's Three Rivers Stadium, the polished PNC Park comes complete with 38,747 seats for Pittsburgh Pirates fans to enjoy," read the a portion of the "10Best" take on Pittsburgh's ballpark. "While guests can bask in spectacular skyline views from the comfort of their seat, the on-site 'Tastes of Pittsburgh' dining venue is perfect for snagging some local fare during the game."

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Citizens Bank Park ranks high on best food list

The USA TODAY panel bought into Citizens Bank Park's food, placing its menu in third place on the "10Best" stadium food list.

"With an emphasis on iconic Philadelphia flavors and local culinary traditions, Citizens Bank Park showcases the city's most beloved dishes," read a portion of USA Today's "10Best" rankings. "Phillies fans can enjoy classic favorites such as cheesesteaks and soft pretzels, as well as gourmet burgers, specialty sausages, loaded fries, and local craft beers. Local favorites include Chickie's & Pete's Crabfries, Manco & Manco boardwalk-style pizza, and Federal Donuts."

USA TODAY readers rank Citizens Bank Park as having the third-best stadium food in all of MLB, making USA Today's "10Best" list.
USA TODAY readers rank Citizens Bank Park as having the third-best stadium food in all of MLB, making USA Today's "10Best" list.

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Citizens Bank Parks has more than 20 food vendors, including the Cobblestone Grill, Cooperstown Café and Old City Creamery.

Full list of winners from USA Today's '10Best' list

Here is the full "10Best" stadium rankings from USA TODAY:

  • 10. Coors Field - Denver

  • 9. Target Field - Minneapolis

  • 8. Fenway Park - Boston

  • 7. Wrigley Field - Chicago

  • 6. PNC Park

  • 5. Busch Stadium - St. Louis

  • 4. Oracle Park - San Francisco

  • 3. Citizens Bank Park

  • 2. Petco Park - San Diego

  • 1. Oriole Park at Camden Yards - Baltimore

And these are USA Today's "10Best" best stadium food rankings:

  • 10. Globe Life Field - Arlington, TX

  • 9. Great American Ball Park - Cincinnati

  • 8. Guaranteed Rate Field - Chicago

  • 7. Petco Park - San Diego

  • 6. Progressive Field - Cleveland

  • 5. Nationals Park - Washington, D.C.

  • 4. Citizens Bank Park

  • 3. Oriole Park at Camden Yards - Baltimore

  • 2. American Family Field - Milwaukee

  • 1. Citi Field - Queens, NY

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: USA Today ranks Citizens Bank Park as one of best for food, stadium