NEWARK — The jumbo pretzel and foot-long frank are getting a run for their money.

The Prudential Center in Newark unveiled an overhaul of its concession stands and in-arena dining at a season preview event for NJ Devils season ticket holders Sunday. The new concept, launched in conjunction with Legends Hospitality, the company that operates the arena’s concession stands, features a “farm-to-fan” concept that Devils management says is unique among NHL rinks.

The new food, which will officially roll out to all fans at the Devils’ home opener against the San Jose Sharks on Oct. 18, focuses on locally-sourced ingredients and higher-quality recipes from New Jersey-based chefs.

“We want this building to be a place that showcases all of the awesome things that happen in this state,” Hugh Weber, the President of Business Operations, said at Sunday’s event.

“Quality of the food is what comes first. But, adding in fresh ingredients, and local ingredients…we know that that’s important to our consumers, too.”

More than 2,000 fans gathered at the preseason event Sunday to meet players, participate in events like a free skate on the ice, and to taste test the new food options.

“If you come here for a game or for another event, you want the whole experience to be good,” Robert Shaftic, who attended the event with his wife Karin and their daughter Charlotte, said.

“You’re going to be shelling out some money for this food, so you want it to be part of a good experience. From what I’ve tasted so far, it hasn’t disappointed.”

Shaftic also said he was happy to hear of the arena’s initiative to support local farms, bakeries, and other N.J. food providers.

“For a place this big that sells this much food to support locals, that’s an important thing,” he said.

Some fans said the food they taste-tested Sunday was an improvement over the former menu at the Prudential Center, which management said consisted mainly of traditional stadium foods.

“This food is much better,” Meaghan Vollkommer, of Cranford, said.

“You’re number one concern when you’re here is to have a good team on the ice,” her fiancé, Michael Andersen, added. “But having good food definitely doesn’t hurt.”

In addition to Legends, food on the concourse will now also include Tony Baloney’s, of the Mustache Mobile food truck, Jersey Diner concessions, and menu items that pay homage to the Jersey Shore and Newark’s Ironbound District, famous for its Portuguese and Brazilian food.

Premium tickets holders with access to the center’s Fire and Ice Lounge will also find new dining options this season – a pizza shop and sandwich club from Top Chef All-Stars runner-up Mike Isabella, and two new concepts from the David Burke group: Angry Taco, which serves Mexican cuisine, and Burke’s Bacon Bar, which is dedicated to an array of different recipes for bacon lovers.

Both Burke and Isabella are N.J. natives.

“People don’t want to eat from a freezer, they want healthier food,” Isabella said.

“Jersey has got so many good, local ingredients to offer. I think it’s great that stadiums and arenas are adapting to these trends in food.”

“It’s really about marrying high quality food and fine dining with being able to serve it quickly and still give fans the fast, stadium experience,” Stephen Goglia, the President and CEO of the David Burke Group, said.

“I think people are demanding fresh, tasty food more than ever before,” executive chef Chris Shea, added. “We want to bring depth of flavor, quality, and freshness, to this new venue.”

Though the Prudential Center management team didn’t unveil the exact prices of all of the new menu items to fans Sunday, Weber said they won’t cost customers much more than the old menu items did.

“The prices are really right in line with what you could get outside the arena,” he said. “There should be something at every price point, including items for the folks who are looking for a higher-end eating experience here.”

Still, arena officials said there is an economic benefit to the switch. Management expects the new menu items to increase food sales in the arena, and anticipates a $2.5 million increase in concession stand sales over last year.

And, though management says the new food is part of what they hope will be an overall improved fan experience at the Prudential Center this season, they are still rooting for a good hockey season.

“There is an old adage in this business,” Weber said.

“When the team is winning, the hot dogs and beer taste better. I think that’s true no matter what you’re serving.”

Jessica Mazzola may be reached at jmazzola@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessMazzola. Find NJ.com on Facebook.