It?s not a question of what to put on the hot dog ? it?s how many to eat.
Taking a cue from other professional sports franchises, the Baltimore Orioles are boldly letting fans do what no other local team has done before them: letting fans eat as much as they can handle.
“A couple of hot dogs and some chips, the deal has paid for itself,” said Kevin Gill, 38, of Owings Mills. “It?s also brought a lot of people in.”
The Orioles have sold out the entire “all-you-can-eat” (AYCE) section of Camden Yards two out of nine times so far. Located in the club level in the left field sections 280 through 288, the AYCE section has gained popularity with fans. It costs $35 in advance and $40 at the door.
At the entrance to the section, attendants hand out red wristbands that fans use to identify themselves at the concession stands. Allowed to take two of any of the selected items per trip to the stands, fans may choose from popcorn, hot dogs, ice cream, peanuts, nachos, soda and lemonade.
And trips are unlimited.
Alan Hite, 34, of Frederick, agreed it was a good deal for him, his wife and 11-year-old son.
“This is great to bring the family to,” he said.
Aramark, the food service of the Orioles, told The Examiner that when preparing the hot dogs, it prepares three dogs for each fan in the section, about 2,400 hot dogs, but has yet to run out. And despite the feast, the company says there haven?t been any problems with stuffed stomachs or unruly fans loading their trays to high. But it has been busy.
“Each day we have done the promotion, it?s been getting crazier,” said Alex Harris, a station manager who helps hand out food.
The grill is on from the time the gates open until the end of the seventh inning. The AYCE special is offered during all nonprime home games.
Average prices at a MLB game
» One ticket: $22.21
» One soda: $3.07
» One hot dog: $3.31
» TOTAL: $28.59
» AYCE TICKET: $35.00
OTHER AVERAGES:
» Beer: $5.42
» Parking: $11.41
» Program: $3.89
» Ball cap: $13.62
Source: Team Marketing Report
