WASHINGTON —
Two lawmakers have introduced legislation that, if passed, would aim at lowering the cost of sports venue concessions.
U.S. Reps. Chris Deluzio, D-PA, and Dan Goldman, D-NY, introduced the Honest Oversight of Ticketed Dining and Onsite Grub Act (HOTDOG) earlier this week to direct the Federal Trade Commission to conduct a nationwide study of concession pricing practices at sports venues.
According to a release, the HOTDOG Act would "shine a much-needed light on exploitative pricing practices and allow the FTC, lawmakers, and, most importantly, hardworking families to gain more transparency into potential price gouging by venues and determine best practices for affordable pricing."
The release said the average price for a hot dog across MLB's 30 ballparks in 2024 was nearly $6, saying the cost of many concessions is too expensive for the typical American family.
"Concessions at pro stadiums across the country have become a ripoff, with so many teams pricing out fans and families," Deluzio said in a statement.
He continued, saying, "Congressman Goldman and I are introducing the HOTDOG Act to require the Federal Trade Commission to find ways to stop this price gouging. People should be able to go enjoy a game and grab a bite or a drink without breaking the bank."
“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.
