When you’re shelling out $7.25 for a beer at the game or $4 for a pretzel, you probably want to make sure that it’s damn good and that it's as fresh as can be.
ESPN sifted through inspection reports from local health departments that evaluated sports venues from the U.S. and Canada -- inspectors consider things like temperature, cross-contamination, hygiene, equipment, and rodent or insect contamination major violations.
And boy did Philly have some health code violations.
Citizens Bank Park is 29 percent in violation. More than one location received critical violations for not having a food-safety-certified supervisor present.
Lincoln Financial Field is 33 percent in violation for neglecting to install sneeze guards on a buffet and not providing a hand-washing station.
The Wells Fargo Center (known until Tuesday as the Wachovia Center) is in trouble because inspectors found evidence of mouse and fruit fly infestations at a bar.
Can you say gross?
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WF Center operator Comcast-Spectacor vowed to address any issues:
"Our agreement with Aramark requires the company to provide food and concession services at the Wells Fargo Center, formerly the Wachovia Center, in strict conformity with the applicable health code and all other laws and regulations. Since the opening of the Spectrum in 1967, Aramark has always made every effort to maintain the highest of health standards at both of our facilities. We are very confident that Aramark immediately and thoroughly addresses any concern raised with respect to food safety, as the health and well-being of our customers is collectively our number one priority."
Compared with the rest of the state, all Pittsburgh stadiums have at least 53 percent of their vendors in critical violation of health codes, reports ESPN.
Among some of the more interesting, at Cowboys Stadium inspectors found 71-degree hot dogs.
Both the Verizon Center in Washington and Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg were found 100 percent, yes, 100 PERCENT in violation. Mice droppings and dirty countertops were among major offenses against the two.
So maybe our stadiums aren't the worst of the bunch, it's still maddening to think of all the money you're spending on food and drinks at any given game or event.
The bottom line -- think before you fork over the dough!
