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U.S. Representative Chris Deluzio from Pennsylvania is taking steps to lower the cost of food at sports stadiums with the introduction of the Honest Oversight of Ticketed Dining and Onsite Grub (HOTDOG) Act. Partnering with New York Congressman Dan Goldman, Deluzio aims to address the high prices of concessions at sports venues across the nation.
The HOTDOG Act proposes that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) conduct a comprehensive study on concession pricing practices at sports venues. According to a release from Deluzio's office, the average price of a hot dog at Major League Baseball stadiums in 2024 was nearly six dollars, a price deemed too high for the average American family.
Deluzio emphasized the importance of making games affordable for families, especially when public funds support these venues. "People should be able to go enjoy a game and grab a bite or a drink without breaking the bank," he stated.
The proposed legislation would have the FTC examine various pricing practices, including dynamic pricing, service fees, and the transparency of concession prices. The findings would be reported to Congress, offering recommendations for legislative or regulatory actions to improve affordability.
The HOTDOG Act has received endorsements from organizations like Groundwork Collaborative, Sports Fan Coalition, and Public Citizen, which advocate for fair pricing at publicly funded venues. The act is expected to bring much-needed transparency and potentially lower costs for fans attending games.