Saying that the cost of concessions at professional sports stadiums have become a “ripoff,” a Pennsylvania congressman has introduced a bill to direct the Federal Trade Commission to investigate possible price gouging.
“One of life’s great joys is a hot dog and a cold beer or pop watching the Black and Gold, said U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio, a Democrat representing the Pittsburgh area, “but concessions at pro stadiums across the country have become a ripoff, with so many teams pricing out fans and families.”
Deluzio and New York Democratic Rep. Dan Goldman have partnered on the Honest Oversight of Ticketed Dining an Onsite Grub (HOTDOG) Act, which would direct the FTC to conduct a nationwide study of concession stand pricing at sports venues.
“We’ve got to ensure that hardworking families can afford to enjoy nights out at ball games — especially when their hard-earned tax dollars are supporting big sporting projects across the state and country,” Goldman said in a joint statement.
According to the statement, the average lowest price for a hot dog at Major League Baseball’s 30 parks in 2024 was nearly $6.
An article by the Washington Post in May 2024, said the Toronto Blue Jays had the cheapest hot dog in MLB that season at $2.55 (U.S. dollars) while the Baltimore Orioles were 9th at $4.10, the Philadelphia Phillies were 11th at $4.99 and the Pittsburgh Pirates were 12th at $5.09.
The most expensive hot dog that season in MLB was $8.39 Colossal Dog sold by the then-Oakland A’s.
“Hardworking families should be able to afford to take a break and see a game — at venues supported by their tax dollars — without massive price markups,” said the joint statement.
The House members said the legislation would direct the FTC to study prices at stadiums built with public subsidies, examine comparable food and drink costs inside and outside stadiums, probe dynamic pricing, service fees and promotions, pricing transparency and other policies.
A report would be due to Congress, including making recommendations to improve affordability and transparency through legislative, regulatory or industry action.
Several groups are backing the bill, including the Groundwork Collaborative, Sports Fan Coalition and Public Citizen.
“For too long, fans have been gouged at the concession stand in the same venues built with their own tax dollars,” said Brian Hess, the executive director of the Sports Fan Coalition.
The HOTDOG Act, he said, would “shine a much-needed light on exploitative pricing practices and help identify solutions that make attending games affordable for working families again.”