RedHawk owners hope the way to the hearts of fans is through their stomachs

Not only will there be the standard ball park fare of hot dogs, cheeseburgers and pizza at what is now called Newcastle Field at Bricktown, but RedHawk fans also will be able to fill their stomachs with specialty franks and sausages hot off the grill, freshly made burritos and a variety of Philly cheesesteaks.

The RedHawks open the season Thursday night with the first game in an eight-game homestand, beginning with a four-game set against the Memphis Redbirds.

The RedHawks will have a new food concessionaire this season, partnering with Pro Sports Catering, a company that specializes in minor league ball park food and beverages. The company already is operating in 12 other minor league ball parks in the country.

The stadium's concession facilities have been renovated with new equipment. New kiosks that will be stationed around the ball park also will be selling food. The RedHawk owners, Mandalay Baseball Properties, promise the food will be fresher and tastier.

“We are not going to have pre-wrapped hot dogs,” said J.P. Shadrick, broadcaster and media relations director for the RedHawks. “We won't make them before (the game) and sit them in a warmer. They will be on the grill and pretty much made before your eyes.”

Among the new menu items that are predicted to be a hit with fans is the Memphis Dog, a delicacy of pulled pork, cole slaw and barbeque sauce on top of a wiener in a special roll.

“You would think there would be only so many ways to dress up a hot dog, but they are finding new ways to do it,” Shadrick said. “It's like you are eating a barbeque sandwich except there is this surprise of a hot dog at the bottom too.”