Fifth Third, AutoZone ballparks named vegetarian-friendly

Posted Jun 9th 2009 3:30PM by Beth Gaston Moon
Filed under: Consumer Experience, AutoZone Inc (AZO), Business of Sports

"Take me out to the ballgame, take me out to the crowd ... Buy me some peanuts and ... tofu dogs?"

Several years ago, if you were a baseball fan and a vegetarian, you were practically out of luck, left to dine on nachos, French fries, and the occasional cotton candy. But as we are becoming a less carnivorous society, some ballparks are choosing to adapt, adding veggie-friendly items to their menus.

Last week, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) released its list of the top 10 vegetarian ballparks. Making the list were Citizens Bank Park, home of the Phillies, as well as AT&T (NYSE: T) Park, where the San Francisco Giants play, and Atlanta's Turner Field - home of the Brave(s).

Now, PETA has issued its list of the minor league parks best recognized for their vegetarian offerings. Fifth Third (NASDAQ: FITB) Field, where the Dayton Dragons play, makes the list thanks to veggie burritos, wraps, and assorted salads. AutoZone (NYSE: AZO) Park, housing the Memphis Redbirds, is also home to black bean burgers, fresh fruit, and grilled veggie wrap sandwiches.

But topping the list is MerchantsAuto.com Stadium. A vegetarian fan can watch his New Hampshire Fisher Cats while chomping down on portobello salads and sandwiches, veggie sausage, and of course veggie burgers and dogs.

Now even vegans can be sated while they keep score.

Beth works for The Options News Network (www.ONN.tv), which provides daily stock and options commentary. The above comments are not intended as trading advice.

Tags: azo, ballparks, baseball, fitb, inthenews, minor league baseball, minor league spotlight, MinorLeagueBaseball, MinorLeagueSpotlight, peta, vegetarian