New Locator Finds Vegan Food at Ballparks

New vegan guide Veggie Happy recently launched to help sports fans locate vegan options at ballparks nationwide. The guide consists of listings organized by venue that contain information about its plant-based food offerings divided into three categories: Snacks & Salads, Burgers & Basics, and Beyond the Basics. Users can review dishes and venues, as well as share their experiences via social media. Writer/actress Johanna McCloy (who appeared on cult series Star Trek: The Next Generation) and marketing expert Chris Ardito used their respective areas of expertise to build a comprehensive tool. “Being vegan,” Ardito told VegNews, “we have experienced firsthand the frustration of searching for plant-based options, especially in a large stadium setting.” In 2000, McCloy launched the Soy Happy campaign to urge baseball stadiums to serve veggie hot dogs. “At that time, none of the ballparks offered veggie dogs,” McCloy said. “I personally contacted each stadium and offered my services as a liaison with viable brands to facilitate the sampling process. Today, nearly every Major League Baseball park offers veggie dogs, in addition to other plant-based options.” The duo created the guide’s listings to appeal to venue representatives, who can upload promotions and details about their vegan options. “As our own base of followers expands, so does the exposure for these venues,” Ardito said. “We’re very committed to increasing access to plant-based food options which means our efforts will have the greatest impact on those venues who are committed to offering them.” Veggie Happy currently features 50 sports venues nationwide, including a the full roster of Major League baseball stadiums, and the founders plan to add more venue categories during upcoming sports seasons.