Aramark S+E to build a full-scale concessions operation from the ground up with nearly 300 team members
Regionally inspired food items to honor Iowa and hometowns of MLB teams, including Heaven on a Hot Dog (Iowa), Juicy Lucy (Minnesota), and Philly Cheesesteak (Philadelphia).
DYERSVILLE, IOWA (August 12, 2026) – For the third year, Aramark Sports + Entertainment (Aramark; NYSE: ARMK), the award-winning food and beverage, retail, and facilities services partner of eight Major League Baseball’s (MLB) stadiums, is preparing to transform an Iowa cornfield into a full-scale gameday culinary operation for MLB Field of Dreams presented by John Deere.
To execute food and beverage operations for the two-game event, nearly 300 Aramark team members will be on-site in Dyersville for the MLB game on August 13 featuring the Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies, along with the preceding Minor League Baseball (MiLB) game on August 11 between the Iowa Cubs and St. Paul Saints.
Throughout both game days, Aramark will create an authentic ballpark experience featuring regionally inspired food and beverage offerings, premium hospitality spaces, and culinary experiences designed to celebrate the hometown traditions of the participating teams while showcasing the unique Iowa setting.
“For year three of operating at the Field of Dreams game, we wanted to elevate the experience for fans, matching the uniqueness of the game with our menu offerings,” said Alison Birdwell, President and CEO of Aramark Sports + Entertainment. “From the food and hospitality to the atmosphere throughout the ballpark, we’re focused on creating memorable moments and an experience that fans will remember long after the final pitch.”
ARAMARK BUILDING FULL CONCESSION OPERATIONS
Beginning weeks before first pitch, Aramark’s culinary operations and hospitality teams will work together to build a temporary full-scale gameday operation capable of delivering the speed, quality, and service fans expect at a Major League Baseball ballpark.
Aramark will transport commercial kitchen equipment - including fryers, grills, coolers, freezers, and warming cabinets – from locations across the country to construct fully operational kitchens on-site.
ARAMARK BRINGING A TASTE OF THE TEAMS AND IOWA:
Aramark has worked closely with MLB to create a custom menu for fans attending both the MLB and MiLB games, inspired by Midwestern flavors, as well as hometown favorites of Philadelphia and Minneapolis.
The Field of Dreams menu will be highlighted by the Heaven on a Hot Dog – available only at Thursday’s MLB game. Paying homage to the Field of Dreams film, Heaven on a Hot Dog will consist of an all-beef hot dog, sweet corn relish, corn-bacon jam, and crispy ranch onions.
In honor of Philadelphia and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Aramark will offer iconic local staples:
- Philadelphia:
- Philly Cheesesteak – sliced ribeye, caramelized onion, Cooper Sharp cheese sauce on a seeded roll.
- Roast Pork Sandwich – roast pork, broccoli rabe, sharp provolone, lemon herb salt on a seeded roll.
- Twin Cities:
- Minnesota Juicy Lucy – all angus beef patty stuffed with two slices of American cheese, sautéed diced onions, Thousand Island dressing on a brioche bun.
- Wild Rice Bratwurst – Kramarczuk’s Wild Rice Bratwurst, sautéed onions & peppers, stone ground mustard on a brioche bun.
Fans at Tuesday’s MiLB game will also get a taste of local cuisine celebrating their favorite teams, with the Iowa Cubs represented by Elote Bites – creamed corn bites, cotija cheese, Tajin, and lime aioli – and the St. Paul Saints with a Walleye Po’boy – crispy walleye, tartar sauce, leaf lettuce, sliced tomato, and creamy coleslaw.
To create these specialty menu items, Aramark is sourcing select ingredients from Iowa, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania, including locally grown Iowa corn on the cob, highlighting the flavors of both the host region and the participating teams.
Photos of the items can be accessed HERE.
Guests with access to premium spaces will experience an additional elevated menu highlighting local summer ingredients, including grilled filet kabobs, sweet corn arancini, grilled peach and burrata salad, heirloom tomato and corn panzanella, carved smoked tri-tip, seared salmon, roasted brussels sprouts, and more.
Following the event, leftover food will be donated to a local food bank as part of Aramark’s ongoing commitment to supporting the communities it serves and reducing food waste.
###
About Aramark Sports + Entertainment
Aramark Sports + Entertainment serves more than 150 award-winning food and beverage and retail programs in premier professional and collegiate stadiums and arenas along with convention centers, cultural attractions, performance venues, and unique entertainment destinations across North America. The company has received accolades for industry innovations including autonomous markets and dining concepts powered by artificial intelligence and has provided hospitality services at high-profile sporting events like the MLB World Series, MLB at Rickwood Field, NBA All-Star, and Indianapolis 500. Visit Aramark Sports + Entertainment's website to learn more or connect on LinkedIn and X.
Media Contacts
Aramark Sports + Entertainment: Madeline Airey (airey-madeline@aramark.com)
FINN Partners: Aramark@finnpartners.com
