Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published December 23, 2025 7:42 A.M.

(Washington, D. C.) Congressmen Chris Deluzio and Dan Goldman have introduced the Honest Oversight of Ticketed Dining and Onsite Grub (HOTDOG) Act.

Despite significant public investment into sports venues, the cost of many concessions is deemed too expensive for the typical American family. The average lowest price for a hot dog across MLB’s 30 ballparks in 2024 was nearly $6.

The HOTDOG Act would direct the FTC to examine the prices of comparable food and drinks inside and outside stadiums and other types of pricing policies with a goal of improving affordability and transparency.

“One of life’s great joys is a hot dog and a cold beer or pop watching the Black and Gold. But concessions at pro stadiums across the country have become a ripoff, with so many teams pricing out fans and families,” said Congressman Deluzio.

“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.”

According to the release, The HOTDOG Act would direct the FTC to evaluate pricing practices at professional sports stadiums that were constructed or are operated with public subsidy funds. The FTC would examine the prices of comparable food and drinks inside and outside stadiums; pricing practices such as dynamic pricing, service fees, and promotions; transparency of concession prices to consumers, and other types of pricing policies. The bill requires the FTC to issue a report to Congress detailing the results of the study and any recommendations for legislative, regulatory, or industry action to improve affordability and transparency.