Got a new food idea for 5/3 Ballpark?

COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. (WOOD) - The West Michigan Whitecaps are taking ideas for new food items to be served at Fifth Third Ballpark this season.

Beginning Thursday, fans can submit their ideas on what they would like to see served at the ballpark this summer. Last season's contest resulted in the addition of the Cudighi Yooper Sandwich and the Declaration of Indigestion.

"I look forward to some wild new ideas for 2011," said Scott Lane, the Whitecaps president, in a written statement. "More than anything, I love to stand on the concourse and listen to the buzz that the Cudighi and the Declaration of Indigestion create amongst Whitecaps fans."

Last year's contest generated more than 23,000 votes, the Cudighi Yooper Sandwich winning by only two votes over the Declaration of Indigestion.

The idea for the contest came from the popularity of the giant Fifth Third Burger, Director of Marketing Mickey Graham said. Originally meant to be served in suites for game goers to cut up and eat like a pizza, "the Fifth Third Burger generated so much buzz, we decided to serve it in a concession stand and offer the Fifth Third Burger Challenge eating contest," Graham added.

The Fifth Third Burger became quite the attraction: as more than 3,200 of them sold, 485 challenge champions were crowned in two seasons and it was featured on a ballpark fare episode of The Travel Channel's "Man vs. Food" in 2009.

It also was highlighted on the Jan. 22 airing of "Unwrapped," on the Food Network.

Now more than ever, fans are interested in the creativity of our menu items, Graham said in a news release.

All new submissions can be made through the Whitecaps' Facebook page, Twitter page or via e-mail. Submissions should be accompanied by a picture and description, if possible.

Ideas will be taken through Feb. 3, and starting Feb. 22, fan voting will be begin on the 10 finalists.