By Ivan Pereira
Sports fans who want that in-game experience without having to wait in line for hours at a stadium box office can now head over to the John F. Kennedy International Airport.
A new sports bar and restaurant opened at Terminal 4 in June that offers high-end treats to anyone who wants to kick back and enjoy a good game.
The Stadium Club, located just before the security checkpoints at the terminal, not only replicates a stadium feel with its menu items, such as 10-inch hot dogs and Philly cheesesteaks, but also gives the customer a similar experience with the bar’s decor.
“Keeping in step with New York’s new stadiums for the Yankees and Mets, and the soon-to-be-completed Barclays Arena in Brooklyn for the New Jersey Nets, which have all raised the bar for local sports team venues, air travelers can now sample the city’s newest stadium experience at JFK Terminal 4,” said Alain Maca, president of JFK IAT LLC, which operates Terminal 4.
The 2,350-square-foot restaurant seats 98 customers in comfortable, padded booths that are similar to stadium-style seats. The 40-foot bar is lit with pendent lights and features modern, rust-colored, ostrich bar stools.
Although the walls have a traditional brick look, the six plasma television sets hang without any obstructions and show different sports events from around the world. But the high-definition screens are not the only sports eye candy that hangs from the walls.
A soft-padded outfield wall encompasses the ceiling and black and white vintage photos of New York stadiums adorn the walls.
“The restaurant broadens our already diverse spectrum of dining choices for travelers and visitors,” Maca said.
Customers’ will also get a taste straight out of Citi Field with Stadium Club’s menu.
The chef serves sports favorites from hot dogs and flatbreads to specialized grilled cheese sandwiches. Stadium Club’s drink menu complements the grub with its six chrome draft beer towers, 20 distinct bottled and craft beers and specialty cocktails.
“We’ve kept all of the fun and high-drama energy of the sports bar experience and added in the discerning touches and high-quality food choices that travelers are now seeking,” said Les Cappetta, president and CEO of SSP America, the food operator that owns the restaurant.
“We are delighted to once again be partnering with JFK IAT to bring the new Stadium Club brand to our passengers and continue to elevate the way passengers eat, drink and enjoy their time at the airport.”
Reach reporter Ivan Pereira by e-mail at ipereira@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4546.
