Phillies Cancel Dollar Hot Dog Night Due to Unruly Fans Throwing Food onto Field
February 29, 2024
The Philadelphia Phillies' dollar hot dog night promotion is over, as reported by Dan Gelston of the Associated Press.
A combination of last year's food fight and logistical nightmares in the concourses led to the decision.
"It wasn't just the throwing," said John Weber, senior vice president, Phillies ticket operations and projects. "It's the concourse, the crowds of everybody being at the same X amount of stands. But obviously, you know, the throwing was a little bit of a tipping point."
Instead of consuming delicious dollar dogs, some fans decided to test their arms during the Phillies' 8-4 loss to the Miami Marlins on April 11, 2023. Hot dogs went flying in the stands and even onto the field. Naturally, some fans were ejected.
The Phillies will still be holding hot dog promotions, though, holding a pair of two-for-one nights. Fans attending the April 2 game against the Cincinnati Reds or the April 16 matchup versus the Colorado Rockies will get a free hot dog if they buy one first.
However, it's the end of an era in Philadelphia, as a tradition that reaches back 27 years is now over.
Phils fans can take solace in the fact that their team looks like a World Series title contender once again, though, as they get ready for a season that begins March 28 at home versus the Atlanta Braves.