If you are road trippin’ to American Family Field for opening day today (or any day this season), here’s all you need to know in terms of dining at the venue. One stop…that’s all! I will never tell anyone that what they choose to eat is wrong. Everyone has their ideal ballpark meal plan, steeped in history and nostalgia, and stadiums today offer countless mind blowing options that our 10-year old selves never could have imagined. So buy you some peanuts and Cracker Jack, get your hot dogs and your brats and your BBQ…you bet. But from where I sit…no matter where I sit…this is, without debate, the American Family Field “must have.” And it is, hands-down, the best value in the yard.
Formerly known as the “Cactus League Nachos,” you will find this now under the label “Nacho Grande” (pictured here) – a generous helping of your meat of choice, seasoned ground beef or chicken (I recommend the chicken), served on a bed of tortilla chips, topped with nacho cheese sauce, pico, jalapenos, and enough sour cream to sustain a small island nation for three days.
You can opt for the “Nacho Grande” in a basic bowl or upcharge to the souvenir helmet. No matter how you indulge, grab a stack of napkins and a fork, and grab them early. Early is the key for a pair of reasons: #1 – As the innings fade away, so too does the supply of meat. By the 4th inning, they may be running short on your protein of choice. #2 – This will take a while to exhaust, and you may need only this. Start chipping away in the 1st, and you just might be full for the duration of the contest. Wash it down with a Long Island iced tea (the best adult beverage value in the park), and you’re sittin’ pretty.
Here’s your cheat sheet: the “Nacho Grande” stands are located in the following sections throughout the park — Sections 111, 123, 211, 226, 413, 417, 435.