GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Grand Rapids Griffins have partnered with Van Andel Arena and Big E's Sports Grill to come up with a new way for fans to enjoy game nights at the arena.
The Griffins have been holding a fan food contest, the first of what they hope will become an annual competition.
Fans were able to submit their recipes to the team, and the chefs at Van Andel Arena and Big E's Sports Grill picked their finalists and held a final tasting on Tuesday, Sept. 18.
The finalists were:
- Andrew Kelly - Griff's MVP Quesadilla Burger
- Jonathan Niese - Beer Mac and Cheese with Buffalo Chicken
- Ryan Barker - Pulled Pork Tacos
- Sonya Martinez - Carne Asada Fries
The judging panel, which consisted of our own Sports Director Jamal Spencer as well as other media personalities, named the Quesadilla Burger as the winner.
"We're listening to that fan instead of coming up with some ideas on our own," said Steve Ritsema, the Griffins corporate sales account manager. "We want you to create that experience, create that flavor. Something that allows the fan to feel special as well. That it's their creation that they've done that everyone can try."
The Quesadilla Burger will be served at the Intermission Restaurant and Bar, as well as Big E's, for the next year.
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