>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Walleye tacos, fried cheddar cheese curds and special-recipe bratwurst could be on the menu when the Minnesota Twins open their new ballpark in 2010.

The team and its new food vendor said Tuesday that distinctive local offerings would be available along with more traditional fare like hot dogs, burgers and pizza.

The Twins announced an eight-year partnership with Buffalo, N.Y.-based Delaware North Companies Sportservice, which handles food, beverage and retail management at more than 50 sports facilities across the country.

“We want the fan experience to be unlike anything that exists today,” said Rick Abramson, the company’s president. The company will work with the Twins in the coming months to visit local restaurants, survey fans and run taste tests before working up a menu and introducing a signature item.

Examples of signature items at other ballparks include fish tacos in San Diego’s PETCO Park and bratwurst with “Secret Stadium Sauce” at Miller Park in Milwaukee, Abramson said. At some facilities, the company offers special chef stations where fans can see what’s cooking.