Bryce Harper isn’t the only new and exciting entity coming to the Syracuse Chiefs this year.

Ovations Food Services, a company with the slogan “Everything’s Fresh,” will be taking over concession duties for the Chiefs’ home games at Alliance Bank Stadium. Ovations will run nine concession stands, and it boasts “a myriad of fresh burgers, … a succulent selection of hot dogs, … unique items at Chicken Fry Fry,” among other items. Simone said the food will be made to order, guaranteeing the freshest and highest-quality foods.

The contract with Ovations comes after the 15-year contract with Centerplate expired at the end of last season.

Chiefs General Manager John Simone said that eight companies sought contracts, and the best decision was to go with Ovations.

“They promote freshness,” he said. “It’s a different way of doing things from the usual ballpark fare.

“It’s totally revamping what we will have for the games.”

Instead of having hot dogs, burgers, popcorn and soda, the new arrangement will also be bringing in steak and sausage sandwiches, fajitas and a brand-new grilled menu. For those with a sweet tooth, Ovations will also be selling candy.

“This is what you’d expect at a big league game, and we want our fans to have that same experience here,” Simone said.

On April 3, there was a food sampling at the stadium to showcase Ovations’ freshness campaign. The Eagle went to press before the event, but you can check our website on Wednesday for coverage.

Simone said Ovations invested $500,000 in the project.

“I think it’s a 100-percent improvement that our fans will love,” he said.

Ovations, a part of Philadelphia-based Comcast-Spectator, runs concessions at 120 sporting venues in the country.

“Ovations is extremely excited to have been chosen as a strategic partner by the Syracuse Chiefs. We’re honored to participate in the historic tradition of the Chiefs and bring our fresh style of culinary service to Chiefs’ fans,” said Todd Wickner, Ovations’ chief operating officer.

There will also be an all-you-can-eat option for Thursday through Sunday home games. The cost is $16 a person and includes hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries and beverages.

The Chiefs open their season on Thursday against the Rochester Red Wings at Alliance Bank Stadium.

Neil Benjamin Jr. can be reached at [email protected].