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The 2026 MLB season is officially here, with a full day of action across the league. “Opening Night” kicked off the season on Wednesday, but nothing says the return of baseball like Opening Day.
Today’s action starts at 1:15 p.m. ET with the New York Mets hosting the Pittsburgh Pirates and carries on throughout the rest of the day with 11 games on the schedule.
A new season means new ballpark foods, which can always make or break your experience on gameday. And if you know anything about ballpark foods, eating healthy is not an option.
MORE: Viral Tokyo Dome Ice Cream Sandwich comes with shocking price
This year, it seems like everyone is elevating their offerings.
A pickle elote at the Stockton Ports’ Pickle Fest at the Stockton Ballpark in downtown Stockton on Sep. 21, 2024. The event featured pickle-themed foods and drink such as pickle pizza, deep-fried pickles, pickle lemonade, pickle margaritas and more.
From burgers to quesadillas to adult beverages and out-of-your-mind sweets, there’s something for everyone.
What are some of the must-have ballpark foods for the 2026 season?
Let’s take a look at some of the most intriguing concession offerings across the league.
MORE: 10 most influential people in MLB
What says “America’s Favorite Pastime” more than watching baseball and stuffing your face with an oversized burger? The Braves are here for you with “The Bat Flip,” which includes two pounds of beef, braised short rib, pork belly, cheese, onion, lettuce, tomatoes, jalapenos, and a fried egg… all on a seven-inch brioche bun?
If you’re going to overindulge at a ballpark, you need to go big or go home. That’s why the “Machete” at Marlins games is exactly what you’re looking for. Just make sure you have a friend to help you chow down on the two-foot, overstuffed quesadilla.
A watermelon habanero margarita isn’t the most innovative drink in the world, but when you serve it in an incredible souvenir water cooler cup, you have an instant winner. Stay refreshed and get the perfect keepsake from your time at the ballpark.
You had me at “crispy fries, lobster meat, clam chowder, and crispy bacon.” Bonus points for the food vessel.
If you have a sweet tooth, the Phillies have you covered. A fruity cereal-crusted, funnel-cake-fried strawberry Uncrustable seems a bit over the top, but it’s just what the doctor ordered for a warm summer day, thanks to the refreshing soft-serve ice cream.
Early in the season, temperatures are still a little cool, so why not warm up with some ramen? Add in some shredded beef tossed in a birria sauce, and, in the words of Hannah Montana, you have the best of both worlds.
Are you a glutton for punishment? Nine beers, nine hot dogs, and nine innings. Give it your best shot. The challenge will be available at New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Colorado Rockies, Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals, and San Francisco Giants games.
Good luck not falling into a sugar coma, but at least you’ll temporarily be refreshed in the Arizona heat.
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Continue reading...
Today’s action starts at 1:15 p.m. ET with the New York Mets hosting the Pittsburgh Pirates and carries on throughout the rest of the day with 11 games on the schedule.
A new season means new ballpark foods, which can always make or break your experience on gameday. And if you know anything about ballpark foods, eating healthy is not an option.
MORE: Viral Tokyo Dome Ice Cream Sandwich comes with shocking price
This year, it seems like everyone is elevating their offerings.
You must be registered for see images attach
A pickle elote at the Stockton Ports’ Pickle Fest at the Stockton Ballpark in downtown Stockton on Sep. 21, 2024. The event featured pickle-themed foods and drink such as pickle pizza, deep-fried pickles, pickle lemonade, pickle margaritas and more.
From burgers to quesadillas to adult beverages and out-of-your-mind sweets, there’s something for everyone.
What are some of the must-have ballpark foods for the 2026 season?
Let’s take a look at some of the most intriguing concession offerings across the league.
MORE: 10 most influential people in MLB
The Bat Flip – Atlanta Braves
MY GOD ALMIGHTY. SEVEN INCHES OF BRIOCHE BUN AND TWO POUNDS OF MEAT
THE BAT FLIP AT TRUIST PARK
(Price not yet available) pic.twitter.com/6Zlv8sdeXh
— Reeves Jackson (@ReevesJackson_) March 24, 2026
What says “America’s Favorite Pastime” more than watching baseball and stuffing your face with an oversized burger? The Braves are here for you with “The Bat Flip,” which includes two pounds of beef, braised short rib, pork belly, cheese, onion, lettuce, tomatoes, jalapenos, and a fried egg… all on a seven-inch brioche bun?
The Machete – Miami Marlins
The Marlins' new "Machete" menu item is served in a custom carrying caseYou must be registered for see images attach
This TWO-FOOT homemade flour tortilla is griddled on the flat top with melted mozzarella and Oaxaca cheeses, house-marinated carne asada, smoky guajillo pepper sauce, salsa verde and cilantroYou must be registered for see images attach
(via… pic.twitter.com/NnpIiFXIsP
— MLB (@MLB) March 19, 2026
If you’re going to overindulge at a ballpark, you need to go big or go home. That’s why the “Machete” at Marlins games is exactly what you’re looking for. Just make sure you have a friend to help you chow down on the two-foot, overstuffed quesadilla.
Watermelon Habanero Margarita – Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers will have a watermelon habanero margarita that you can get in a souvenir water cooler cupYou must be registered for see images attach
It features tequila shaken with fresh lime juice and a house watermelon-habanero mix, served over ice with a Tajín-dusted rim
(via @LevyRestaurants) pic.twitter.com/j1YaWSpZnU
— MLB (@MLB) March 19, 2026
A watermelon habanero margarita isn’t the most innovative drink in the world, but when you serve it in an incredible souvenir water cooler cup, you have an instant winner. Stay refreshed and get the perfect keepsake from your time at the ballpark.
Lobstah Poutine – Boston Red Sox
The Mariners will have a souvenir ferry food boat at home games in 2026You must be registered for see images attach
You can get chicken tenders, fish and chips, crab nachos and more in the exclusive ship container
This comes in celebration of the 75 years of the Washington State Ferries system and 50 seasons of the… pic.twitter.com/CUoZFngQb8
— MLB (@MLB) March 11, 2026
You had me at “crispy fries, lobster meat, clam chowder, and crispy bacon.” Bonus points for the food vessel.
Schwarbomb Sunday – Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies are changing the game with their new "Schwarbomb Sundae"You must be registered for see images attach
It's a mini helmet filled with soft-serve ice cream and topped with a funnel-cake-fried strawberry Uncrustable, fresh strawberry sauce and fruity cereal piecesYou must be registered for see images attachpic.twitter.com/xpKPwzyGxn
— MLB (@MLB) March 19, 2026
If you have a sweet tooth, the Phillies have you covered. A fruity cereal-crusted, funnel-cake-fried strawberry Uncrustable seems a bit over the top, but it’s just what the doctor ordered for a warm summer day, thanks to the refreshing soft-serve ice cream.
Birria Ramen Bowl – St. Louis Cardinals
omg the @Cardinals have… BIRRIA RAMEN IN A BASEBALLYou must be registered for see images attachpic.twitter.com/ELodUSIOFU
— gabb (@gabbgoudy) March 25, 2026
Early in the season, temperatures are still a little cool, so why not warm up with some ramen? Add in some shredded beef tossed in a birria sauce, and, in the words of Hannah Montana, you have the best of both worlds.
9-9-9 Challenge – Various Ballparks
The 9-9-9 Challenge is back and will be available at even more ballparks in 2026You must be registered for see images attach
Where will you be attempting the challenge?You must be registered for see images attach
New York Mets – Citi Field
Philadelphia Phillies – Citizens Bank Park
Colorado Rockies – Coors Field
Houston Astros – Daikin Park
Kansas City Royals… pic.twitter.com/GYn32rRRT8
— MLB (@MLB) March 23, 2026
Are you a glutton for punishment? Nine beers, nine hot dogs, and nine innings. Give it your best shot. The challenge will be available at New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Colorado Rockies, Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals, and San Francisco Giants games.
Take Me Out To The Ballgame Shake – Arizona Diamondbacks
The D-backs will have a "Take Me Out to the Ballgame Shake" at games this yearYou must be registered for see images attach
It's a salted caramel shake with whipped cream, peanut butter sandwich cookies, Kit Kat bars and Cracker Jack.
(via @LevyRestaurants) pic.twitter.com/hLTgNVOpNy
— MLB (@MLB) March 18, 2026
Good luck not falling into a sugar coma, but at least you’ll temporarily be refreshed in the Arizona heat.
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MARCH MADNESS: 2026 Sweet 16 TV schedule, game times & dates for NCAA Tournament
NFL: Puka Nacua’s attorney downplays biting allegation, claims ‘blackmail’
MLB: Traded Blue Jays outfielder who ‘hated’ Ross Atkins gets honest about GM
NBA: Ranking the 15 teams with best chance to win NBA Finals
SPORTS MEDIA: Pat McAfee makes $100k charity wager with Brewers star for MLB Opening Day
ENTERTAINMENT: ABC teases Taylor Frankie Paul ‘Bachelorette’ season despite ongoing drama
Continue reading...