AKRON, Ohio — Take a gander at the remodeled Canal Park.
On April 12, the Akron RubberDucks will be on the pond for their 2022 home opener. General manager and Chief Operating Officer Jim Pfander says they're nearly first-pitch ready.
"I think fans, when they come out to the ballpark, they're going to have a great time," Pfander told 3News. "They're going to have a great experience."
Thousands of new seats await fans of the six-time Eastern League champs. The original seats had been lining the stadium for 25 years, but even with the upgrades, Canal Park has the same capacity of 7,630, and every one gives you a great view of the action.
"We want to make sure they've got absolute comfort to be able to sit in the ballpark [and] enjoy some of Louie's great food items that he's dreamed up," Pfander said.
"Louie" is Louis W. Holland, the ballpark chef. His many creations will sate the appetite of any ballpark fan, from extreme food that can feed an army to lighter fare like salads and wraps.
Canal Park still sells hot dogs for $2, but some are super-sized.
"I brought back the footlong hotdogs," Holland explained. "I made a crazy one. I put pulled pork and macaroni and cheese on."
Then there's Nashville hot chicken and waffles, loaded tater tots, and Louie's take on a Polish Boy.
"I changed it and put a potato [and] I put a hot dog in it with coleslaw and barbeque sauce," he said, proudly.
The potato takes the place of the sandwich bun. It's fun food, though it is messy, so don't forget the napkins.
For dessert, how about a 21-scoop/five-pound sundae dubbed "The Screamer"?
"It's meant to be shared," Pfander cautioned, adding that's now allowed according to Major League Baseball's COVID protocols. "For fans, it's how you feel most comfortable. If you want to wear a mask, you can, but it's not required."
Affordable tickets, great views, great food, and according to Pfander, "we've got a pretty good team, too." Now, they also have the bling to prove it.