**Covenant Health Park** buzzed with excitement during its inaugural game on **April 15**, where the Knoxville Smokies clinched a thrilling **5-4 victory** over Chattanooga. As I mingled among the crowd, I felt a sense of nostalgia and delight rekindled by the unmissable stadium snacks that accompanied America’s favorite pastime. This new ballpark not only showcases exciting baseball but also a **smorgasbord of culinary delights** that adds flavor to the fan experience.
In my exploration of the park’s **bountiful concession stands**, I discovered a culinary landscape rich in options, from classic ballpark snacks to unique local fare. **Aaron Gonnelly**, the executive chef at Covenant Health Park, has worked tirelessly to deliver a **menu that truly stands out**, ensuring that every dish contributes to a **memorable game day experience**. Let’s dive into the highlights of the delectable offerings that await at the ballpark!
A Flavorful Introduction: Pulled Pork Nachos at Knox Smoque
My taste adventure began at the **Knox Smoque** barbecue stand, where I couldn’t resist the **pulled pork nachos**—a delightful pile of **crispy kettle chips** slathered in a generous layer of **nacho cheese**, topped with tender, house-smoked pulled pork. This dish takes nachos to another level!
If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, the menu at Knox Smoque also features a **pulled pork combo platter** replete with house-made chips and your choice of baked beans, mac and cheese, or coleslaw. And don’t overlook the **barbecue sundae**, a deliciously innovative twist that layers pulled pork, coleslaw, baked beans, and mac and cheese! There’s something for every palate.
Knox Smoque’s price range: Cheapest item: **$6 hot dog** | Most expensive: **$12.50 pulled pork combo platter**
Beloved Barley’s: A Pizza Lovers’ Paradise
As I awaited my personal pizza from **Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria**, I was pleasantly surprised by an unexpected encounter—my roommate’s parents were also there! Amid the laughter and excitement, it struck me how food at a ballpark can create connections.
Barley’s pizza quickly became a crowd favorite, selling out by the **third inning**. Next time, I’ll be sure to order as soon as I walk in, or head over to the **Ballpark Bites concession** on the third-base line for a fresh slice!
Barley’s price range: Cheapest item: **$11 cheese sticks** | Most expensive: **$13 pepperoni pizza**
Don’t Miss the Knoxville Hot Chicken!
Savory and satisfying, the **Nashville hot chicken sandwich** at the **Coop 865** concession stand is not to be overlooked! This hearty dish comes piled high with spicy breaded chicken, refreshing coleslaw, and pickles, served on a soft bun that perfectly balances the flavors.
Coop 865 offers other tasty options, including a **chicken and waffle sandwich**, complete with fried chicken tenders and sweet hot honey drizzled over fluffy waffles. Their mac and cheese bowl topped with tender chicken is another crowd-pleaser!
Coop 865 price range: Cheapest item: **$9 hot chicken sandwich** | Most expensive: **$12 mac and cheese bowl**
Ballpark Favorites: A Tasty Tradition
The heart of the ballpark experience lies in its **classic snacks**. At Covenant Health Park, you can find all the mainstays—**hot dogs**, **nachos**, **popcorn**, and **sweet ice cream**—that encapsulate the spirit of baseball!
As I savored a hot dog, dripping with mustard and ketchup, I realized: this is the essence of **Knoxville baseball**. Add some peanuts and a Cracker Jack, and I was ready for an unforgettable night!
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth: Snow Cones and More!
For those craving something sweet, **Smoky Mountain Snow** offers a delicious twist with their **stuffed snow cones**. Expect a bottom layer of creamy ice cream topped with fluffy shaved ice and your choice of vibrant syrups—all served with a smile. Indulging in a tall snow cone, especially one mixed with wedding cake syrup, is a fun way to cool down while enjoying the game.
Smoky Mountain Snow price range: Cheapest item: **$6 small snow cone** | Most expensive: **$16 all-you-can-eat cone**
More to Discover: Tacos and Hot Dogs Await
Though I was only able to sample a handful of offerings before the Smokies secured victory, there’s a whole world of flavors waiting to be explored, including **street tacos** from the Mexican cantina and **Chicago-style hot dogs** from Foul Ball Franks. Every visit promises a delicious discovery!
Taco truck price range: Cheapest item: **$11 pulled pork street tacos** | Most expensive: **$13 nachos**
Foul Ball Franks price range: **$8 Chicago-style hot dog**, loaded with toppings for the true fan.
April 15 was merely the beginning of an exciting season filled with delicious bites and unforgettable memories at **Covenant Health Park**. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, make it a point to savor the offerings this vibrant venue has to offer.
Joanna Hayes is the restaurant and retail reporter at Knox News. For more culinary updates, check out the Eat65 newsletter.
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