Aromas of hotdogs, peanuts and popcorn wafts through the air. Hats, shirts, mitts and more are emblazoned with the same logo and color schemes in an effort to visually root for the home team in unison. There's a buzz in the air, and the energy of a whole group of people has one thing in mind, one common goal - their team going home victorious. America's favorite past time, yup, this is what baseball is all about.

That and the ballpark eats and drinks.

This season Cheney Stadium, home to Tacoma's own AAA team the Rainiers, has added some new, locally sourced bites to its Tacoma nibbles. The foodie line up that already includes Northwest favorites such as Ivar's Seafood, Kidd Valley and Beecher's handmade cheeses will now include Tacoma native The Hub's "Pie on the Fly" as the stadium's exclusive pizza provider.

Harmon Brewery/Hub co-owner Pat Nagle said of the partnership, "We have so much respect for the local ownership and management of this ballclub. Owner Mikal Thompsen and General Manager Aaron Artman have made it a priority to work with local businesses to bring local flavors to the ballpark. I grew up loving and playing baseball and this is the coolest thing ever having our own concession stand in an AAA stadium. My parents are in their 42nd season as season ticket holders, so they are tickled pink about it too."

Not only can you snag delicious slices of pizza pie courtesy of the Hub, but you can also wash it down with one of Harmon Brewery's beers. The tap list includes staples such as Mt. Takhoma Blonde and Pt. Defiance IPA and will also include some other seasonal options as they're available, including the award-winning Puget Sound Porter. It's a match made in ballpark concession heaven.

Another local find added to the concessions list is of the more booze-y variety from Gig Harbor distillers Heritage Distilling Company. For those who enjoy all the perks of the Rainiers' Dugout and Summit Clubs, Heritage will now be the stadium's featured spirits provider, concocting specialty cocktails with locally crafted traditional spirits as well as favorites such as its Fall Classic Apple Cider Flavored Whiskey. Cocktail specials like the cleverly named Line Drive and Stolen Base will vary with each game, but traditionally will run for a cool $6.

Coming up Sunday, June 9 is a splendid opportunity for servicemembers and their families to enjoy these new additions up close and personal. Cheney Stadium is celebrating its annual Salute to Armed Forces Day, and military families can take advantage of a discounted ticket price - available to all active-duty military personnel, veterans, civilian employees and family members. Festivities include the home team sporting military themed jerseys, which will be available during a post-game auction with proceeds benefit the USO Northwest, and other military themed activities onsite.

Large groups of 20 or more may reserve seats and get a little cyber nod with a videoboard recognition. Check out www.tacomarainiers.com/armedforces for further details and to purchase tickets.

Kick off the summer months in Tacoma with slices, sips and scenery at Cheney Stadium. Go Rainiers!

SALUTE TO ARMED FORCES DAY, 1:30 p.m., Sunday, July 9, 2502 S. Tyler St., Tacoma, $7-$55, 253.752.7707