It's Green on the Other Side… of the Ballpark's Outfield Wall

Business Wire,  March 24, 2008  

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ARAMARK Introduces Environmentally Responsible Programs for 2008 Baseball Season; Unveils New Ballpark Food and Menu Concepts

PHILADELPHIA -- When baseball fans visit ballparks across America this season, the outfield grass won't be the only "green" they see as part of their game day experience. With Opening Day approaching, ARAMARK today announced a variety of environmentally-friendly practices that it will incorporate into its operations at Major League Baseball stadiums.

A leading provider of concessions, premium culinary services and facilities and retail store management for 14 major league and 10 minor league teams, ARAMARK is working closely with many of its Major League Baseball partners to enhance existing in-stadium environmental efforts as well as implement new programs to reduce environmental impact. Teams are also working with Major League Baseball, which recently announced it is collaborating with the Natural Resources Defense Council as part of a league-wide environmental initiative.

"ARAMARK recognizes the importance and value of incorporating earth-friendly practices in the communities in which we live, work and serve," said Liza Cartmell, Group President, ARAMARK Sports & Entertainment. "Our environmental strategy provides us with an opportunity to reduce our carbon footprint, while continuing to deliver exceptional ballpark services and menus for our baseball partners and fans."

ARAMARK's environmental expertise and leadership will help teams create a more environmentally-friendly stadium and fan experience. These environmental stewardship efforts are an extension of ARAMARK's ongoing commitment to protecting and improving the environments where it operates.

ARAMARK will implement and expand practices at ballparks such as Citizens Bank Park, Coors Field, Fenway Park, McAfee Coliseum, Minute Maid Park, Oriole Park at Camden Yards and PNC Park. These practices include:

* Recycling glass, plastic and cardboard generated from game day preparation.

* Using bio-degradable service ware and cups and napkins made from 100% post consumer fiber.

* Recycling frying oil to be used as bio-diesel fuel.

At Fenway Park, Coors Field, Minute Maid Park, PETCO Park, Safeco Field and Turner Field ARAMARK Facility Services runs the ballparks' recycling programs, which include collecting, separating and removing recyclables. As part of its housekeeping operation at these stadiums, ARAMARK uses "Green Seal" certified cleaning solutions, supplies and equipment for many applications.

Service Enhancements

ARAMARK is working with teams to introduce new and enhanced fan-friendly menu and ordering concepts:

* Citizens Bank Park -- Installing touch-screen ordering kiosks at Planet Hoagie; Doubling the size of "Chickie's and Pete's" Crab Fries stand on Ashburn Alley.

* Coors Field -- Renovating "Fan Fare" concessions locations to increase speed of service.

* Minute Maid Park -- Installing digital menu boards in the premium services Club Level concessions stands.

* PNC Park -- Opening newly renovated restaurant above the left field bleachers.

New Menu Items

Fans enjoy ballpark menus that feature a combination of new and healthy option, traditional favorites and local "classics," which reinforce pride in their city and their team. Below is a sampling of new menu items ARAMARK is introducing at ballparks this season:

* Angel Stadium -- Panda Express

* Citizens Bank Park -- Seasons Pizza; Mitch Williams' Wild Thing Salsa; Crab-free crab cake sandwiches (vegetarian)

* Coors Field -- Tamales

* Minute Maid Park - Sliders (mini hamburgers)

* McAfee Coliseum - Broccoli Cheddar Enchilada Soup; Foot long fish sandwich

* Oriole Park at Camden Yards -- Sliders; Jack Daniels ribs

* PNC Park -- Rib sandwich; Mozzarella sticks

* Shea Stadium -- Corned beef, pulled pork and pastrami sandwiches

* Turner Field - Veggie dogs

ARAMARK's website, www.ballparkfoods.com, provides an in-depth look at the menu items that will be available at each of its ballparks this season as well as the full range of culinary, retail and facilities services it currently offers.

ARAMARK provides services at 14 Major League Baseball stadiums -- Atlanta's Turner Field, Anaheim's Angel Stadium, Baltimore's Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Boston's Fenway Park, Denver's Coors Field, Houston's Minute Maid Park, Kansas City's Kauffman Stadium, Minneapolis' Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, New York's Shea Stadium, Oakland's McAfee Coliseum, Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park, Pittsburgh's PNC Park, San Diego's PETCO Park, and Seattle's Safeco Field. ARAMARK's minor league partners include Keyspan Park in Brooklyn; U.S. Steel Yard in Gary, Indiana; Victory Field in Indianapolis; Silver Cross Field in Joliet, Illinois; Cashman Field in Las Vegas; Applebee's Park in Lexington, Kentucky; The Diamond in Richmond, Virginia; Alexian Field in Schaumburg, Illinois; T.R. Hughes Ballpark in O'Fallon, Missouri; and Rent One Park in Marion, Illinois. ARAMARK also partners with six spring training sites.