ARLINGTON, Texas — Texas Rangers Opening Day is mere days away.
Which means the real reason for celebration is here: The club on Monday debuted its annual concession menu offerings at Globe Life Field for 2024.
We also got a peek at the new Whataburger stand being built inside the stadium. Whataburger and Rangers officials confirmed Monday that the restaurant will open April 5 -- so, not in time for Opening Day on Thursday, but not too far away, either.
Our crews on Monday saw the under-construction orange-and-white burger joint in the concourse area behind Section 105.
Whataburger will join Golden Chick, Hurtado Barbecue, Plucker's and Bahama Buck's Shaved Ice as some of the restaurant offerings at Globe Life Field concessions. But the Rangers' menu isn't just limited to outside restaurants.
The club typically has a slate of new Texas-inspired concession items, the likes of which were made famous back in the day when the Boomstick two-foot-long chili dog was unveiled at the old ballpark.
(The Rangers were also the first team to debut ballpark nachos back in the 1970s, so they know what they're doing here).
Among the items revealed Monday? Here's the full list and descriptions from the Rangers' press release:
• The Boomstick Triple Play: A new take on the Texas Rangers’ classic 2-foot feast, this version features two Nolan Ryan Beef patties topped with Rico’s Nacho Cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles and served on an 8-inch bun; a foot-long Texas Chili Company hot dog topped with Texas Chili Company chili, Rico’s Nacho Cheese, grilled onion and jalapenos; and a towering helping of Tostitos tortilla chips, topped with chili, nacho cheese, grilled onions and jalapenos. Available at the Texas 24” stand at Section 132 for $32.99.
• Texas Tacos: Rangers red crunchy taco shells lined with a soft flour tortilla and choice of classic taco meat or grilled chicken. Topped with lettuce, pico de gallo, shredded cheese and choice of salsa verde or salsa roja. Available in concession stands at Sections 17, 106 and 226 for $14.99.
• Korean Pork Steamed Buns: Slow Cooked Korean Style Pulled Pork in a pillowy soft-steamed Bao bun, topped with a fresh cilantro slaw and an Unagi sauce and spicy mayo drizzle. Available in concession stands at Sections 124 and 230 for $15.99.
• Meatball Garlic Knot Sliders: Classic Italian-style meatballs smothered in marinara sauce and served on buttery garlic knots topped with parmesan cheese. Available in concessions at Sections CL23, 133 and 230 for $17.99 for three sliders.
• Ranchero Chile Relleno Dawwg: A Texas Chili All-Angus Beef hot dog is split and stuffed with queso chihuahua, wrapped first in a roasted banana pepper and then in strips of bacon. Grilled to perfection, served on a fresh Martin’s potato roll and topped with grilled onions. Available in concession stands at Sections 121 and 225 for $15.99.
• Chicken Empanadas: Handmade empanadas filled with tender, flavorful chicken, fried to golden perfection and served with salsa roja and Tostitos tortilla chips. Available in concessions at Sections 108 and 225 for $14.99.
• Whataburger, the iconic Texas-based burger chain known for its bold flavors and Goodness 24/7 has a new location at Globe Life Field near Section 105. The ballpark outpost will feature many of the beloved brand's classic menu items, including the #1 Whataburger – made with a toasted 5-inch bun, 100% fresh never-frozen beef patty, Original Mustard, lettuce, tomato and pickles, as well as Whataburger's golden French Fries, crispy Onion Rings and creamy Shakes.
• Golden Chick, which has had a presence in Globe Life Field since it opened in 2020, will now offer a Chicken & Waffle Taco – featuring a Golden Chick classic chicken tender, fried to perfection and drizzled with a sweet and tangy honey sriracha sauce. Served on a fresh waffle “taco” and topped with bacon bits for the perfect finishing touch. Available at the Golden Chick stand at Section 128 for $14.99 for two.
• Arlington Eats, which is located near Section 101, will again on a rotating basis feature Arlingtonbased restaurants Ella B’s Restaurant, Prince Lebanese Grill, Sugar Bee Sweets Bakery, The Tin Cup and Cartel Tacos, along with newcomers Shrimp Doc and TJ’s Catfish & Wings. Arlington Eats will be open for all home games in 2024.
• Hurtado Barbecue, which made its debut at Arlington Eats in 2022 and became the official barbecue partner at Globe Life Field in 2023 with a standalone location at Section 141, will offer the Milanesa Taco. One of the most popular menu items at their restaurant, the taco features chicken-fried brisket, served with creamy gravy and chile de arbol in a warm flour tortilla. Due the popularity a second “Express” location will be added in the Upper Concourse near section 201. This location will be added later in April.
Feast your eyes, if not your stomach, on these pictures from WFAA's Chris Sadeghi:
The Rangers first game of the regular season is Thursday night at home against the Chicago Cubs at 6:35 p.m.
More Texas Rangers coverage from WFAA:
