More Than Just Ballpark Food: Besa Gordon Goes Inside the 2025 Mariners Food Preview at T-Mobile Park
For the third year in a row, Besa Gordon attended the exclusive Mariners Food Preview—an invite-only event where selected members of the media get an early taste of what’s new at T-Mobile Park. Hosted ahead of Opening Day, the preview gives a behind-the-scenes look at the creative, delicious lineup of food fans can enjoy throughout the season.
From Mariners-blue corn dogs to turkey legs big enough to double as bats, the 2025 food offerings are bold, playful, and a flavorful celebration of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. During the preview, Besa sat down with Executive Chef Craig McAlister and Malcolm Rogel, the Mariners' Vice President of Fan Experience, to talk about the food, the inspiration behind it, and how they’re using cuisine to elevate the fan experience.
Why Food Variety at T-Mobile Park Really Matters
Ballpark food isn’t just about keeping fans fed—it’s about giving them a full experience. And at T-Mobile Park, that means creating a culinary adventure that reflects the diversity, creativity, and vibrancy of Seattle itself.
“Fans demand it,” said Malcolm Rogel. “They want to come to the park and have a turnkey event. Get dinner, watch the game, grab a drink, maybe explore the concourse and try something new.”
The goal is to make space for every kind of fan—from the foodie looking for a glass of wine and a crab sandwich to the family that wants a value hot dog and refillable soda. According to Rogel, both ends of the spectrum matter, and both are being served.
“When you walk around T-Mobile Park, you can see the game from all angles,” he added. “We’ve designed it that way—so you’re not stuck in one place. You can move, explore, eat, and still stay in the action.”
With options ranging from seafood and street food to vegan and gluten-free dishes, the food at T-Mobile Park is designed to be just as exciting as the game itself.
This Year’s Lineup: Fan Favorites and All-New Creations
This year’s menu includes returning favorites, innovative new options, and a few unexpected additions fans will be eager to try.
Felix King Court Turkey Leg
This massive turkey leg is slow-smoked and served with flair. Chef Craig McAlister jokingly described it as “the closest thing to bringing a bat into the stadium,” since real bats aren’t allowed.
“They don’t let you bring bats into the stadium,” said McAlister. “But I figured this is a way you can get close enough. If you forgot your mitt, you can just hit the ball back under the field with one of these.”
Mariners Blue Corn Dog
In what might be the most Instagram-worthy item on the menu, this corn dog is dyed Mariners blue—a fun, on-brand twist on a classic.
“As a chef in a baseball park, the most successful you can be is to just lean into it,” McAlister said. “How do you make a corn dog? How do you make it better than a corn dog? And then… how do you make it blue?”
Healthier Options
Recognizing that many fans are health-conscious or navigating food sensitivities, the park is also adding lighter, fresher choices.
“We identified the diverse fan experience in Seattle and offered something healthier, fresh—good summer enjoyment,” McAlister shared. One highlight is a house-made banh mi sandwich, loaded with chicken, vegetables, and a little bit of spice.
The Ichiro Wing
This dish is more than just a meal—it’s a tribute. The Ichiro Wing uses Ichiro Suzuki’s actual pre-game sauce recipe, giving fans a delicious way to connect with the Mariners legend.
“If you’re a new fan or a longtime vet, now you can cheer on your favorite player… off the menu,” said McAlister.
“Big Dumper” Dumplings
Inspired by fan-favorite catcher Cal Raleigh, nicknamed “Big Dumper,” these shareable dumplings are both playful and delicious.
“Sometimes the dishes create themselves,” McAlister joked. “There’s no other way to take that.”
Value, Variety, and the Vibe: Making the Game Accessible for Everyone
Affordability is a key part of the Mariners’ fan experience strategy. While the ballpark has plenty of premium food options, it also prioritizes budget-friendly choices.
“We’ve always had some kind of great offer,” Rogel said. “We have value menu, value beer, value tickets… This year’s value menu is the biggest and best we’ve ever had.”
The value menu includes fan favorites like hot dogs, nachos, refillable soda, and even last season’s surprise hit: the giant pickle.
“There are 30 value games a year, with $10 tickets,” Rogel explained. “That’s nearly half the home games. You can get a game ticket, a beer, and a hot dog for under $20.”
More Than Baseball: It’s a Whole Experience
While baseball is the core of the experience, the Mariners are designing a space that’s just as much about community, culture, and connection.
“You can just go up to the 300 level, look out over downtown Seattle, and watch the sunset,” said Rogel. “Then get back to the game… maybe some hot dogs start flying down from heaven. Every night’s a little different.”
Hot Dogs from Heaven
Yes, it’s a real thing. And this year, it’s getting an upgrade.
“They’re going to have unique parachutes—maybe a foot-long on them, or a gift card,” Rogel revealed. “It’s a little insider info for you. It’s going to be really, really cool.”
Trident Up Cup
Also launching this year is the Trident Up Cup, a refillable soda cup that fans can use all season long. It’s part of the park’s efforts to combine fun, sustainability, and savings.
“You can get it at any game,” Rogel said. “It’s gonna be amazing.”
A Place for Everyone
Inclusivity and community are at the heart of everything happening at T-Mobile Park.
“No matter where you’re at, this is your home,” Rogel emphasized. “If you want to ball out, you can. If you want to chill, you can. There’s a menu here even if you don’t have a lot of money. Period.”
Because Mariners baseball is about more than what happens on the field.
It’s the roof opening on a warm night. It’s the cheers echoing across the stands. It’s the flavor, the laughter, and the energy. And it’s the little moments—like biting into a blue corn dog or sharing dumplings with your crew—that make a night at T-Mobile Park unforgettable.
“Baseball is amazing,” said Rogel. “You don’t know whether they’re going to win or lose, but the energy, the visuals—it’s grandiose. It’s humbling. And it’s fun.”
Whether fans come for the turkey leg, the Ichiro Wing, or just to enjoy a $10 night out with the family, the Mariners are making sure there’s something—and somewhere—for everyone.
And based on the 2025 Food Preview, this season’s lineup is ready to hit it out of the park.
Photo credit: Ben Van Houten / Seattle Mariners
