Mookie’s Sliders, 9-9-9 Challenge headline Citi Field’s new food lineup for 2026

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When Mets fans walk through the gates at Citi Field this season, the hope is the team can contend for a National League East title — or at the very least secure a Wild Card spot and punch a ticket to the postseason.

And if they do? Well, it’s also the 40th anniversary of the 1986 World Series team.

That’s just some food for thought.

But one thing is guaranteed at Citi Field this year — fans are going to eat well.

“We can’t guarantee a win, but we can guarantee a good time,” Mets owner Alex Cohen said during Wednesday’s annual “What’s New at Citi Field” event. “Fans are treated well and with respect, and the food is going to be amazing this year.”

Citi Field’s food scene has become a major attraction in its own right. The ballpark has earned USA Today honors in each of the last four years, including “Best Stadium Food” in 2024 and 2025. This year, it’s once again nominated for the 2026 USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Award for Best Stadium Food.

*Mets to roll out 9-9-9 challenge in 2026. Keep reading to learn more. (Credit: New York Mets)*

With Opening Day set for March 26 against the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Mets rolled out a fresh lineup of food and beverage offerings for media and invited guests.

“We look forward to this as much as the fans do because all of this is new to us as well,” Cohen said. “We want to give the best quality food and the best experience when people come to the stadium. We don’t sit on our laurels — we always ask, what can we do better?”

Leading that effort is Citi Field senior executive chef Jason Eksterowicz, who has helped shape the stadium’s evolving menu since joining Aramark in 2016.

“It’s always a kickoff to our season and the culmination of our food program,” Eksterowicz said. “A lot of thought and effort goes into it. We think everything tastes great — but this is our first chance to see how people respond. It looks like we’ve got a lot of hits this year.”

One of those hits comes with a heavy dose of Mets history.

Mookie Wilson — a fan favorite from the 1986 championship team — is now part of the culinary lineup.

*Mookie Wilson at the What’s New at Citi Field. (Credit: New York Mets)*

“Legacy Catering” by Mookie Wilson and Family will feature smoked pulled chicken sliders with bread-and-butter pickles, classic golden barbecue sauce and Martin’s slider buns.

“Not many people know this, but I’ve always loved cooking,” Wilson said. “I used to bring food into the clubhouse all the time. My family loves to cook, and we love seeing people enjoy it. I may not be playing anymore, but I can still be part of the experience.”

Cohen, who has sampled Wilson’s cooking firsthand, is a believer.

“I’ve gone out to the parking lot when him and his family are barbecuing,” Cohen said. “It’s one-of-a-kind. You have to try it.”

Wilson’s offerings will be available on the Promenade Level in the Hudson Whiskey NY Club.

Elsewhere around the ballpark, fans can expect a wide range of new options, including customized tomahawk steaks and apple pie cheesecake from Pat LaFrieda’s Chop House, cheesesteaks from Napoli’s Pizza Co., a clam chowder egg roll from Wok n’ Roll, and desserts like candy apples and Hildebrandt ice cream.

The Mets will also roll out their own take on the “9-9-9 challenge,” featuring a platter of nine hot dogs and nine beers — all to be finished within nine innings.

New food additions at *at Citi Field. (Credit: New York Mets)*

“We’re both foodies,” Cohen said of himself and Mets owner Steve Cohen. “If the food wasn’t good, we’d have a problem. We’re proud to showcase local vendors, too — some of these started as food trucks outside the stadium.”

Beyond the food, the Mets are leaning into the 1986 anniversary with a stacked promotional schedule, including bobbleheads of Gary Carter, Jesse Orosco, Mookie Wilson and Ray Knight, along with giveaways featuring Juan Soto, Mr. and Mrs. Met, and more.

There will also be a retro 1986 championship T-shirt, a Bobby Valentine disguise, and a Mets chain necklace among the fan-favorite items.

One potential hurdle this season: parking.

Ongoing construction around Citi Field will limit availability, though the Mets are offering prepaid parking for $40, discounted satellite lots, and shuttle buses from locations like Roosevelt Field and Walt Whitman malls. The team is also partnering with the Long Island Rail Road for discounted train fares. Tap here for more information on the shuttles.

The 2026 season is shaping up to be a big one — on and off the field.

Between a competitive roster, a celebration of Mets history, and a menu that continues to raise the bar, fans will have plenty to look forward to. The only challenge might be getting there.