That's life
It's a hit: Reds offer unlimited food from limited menu
Would you participate in the all-you-can-eat program? | Video
Saturday, April 26, 2008
CINCINNATI — Here's the pitch: Buy a $30 ticket for a Cincinnati Reds game and eat all you want for free.
But here's the catch: The menu is almost as paltry as Adam Dunn's home run production.
Gregg Kottyan, from Cincinnati, works on his 4th hot dog in the 'All you Can Eat' section of the Great American Ball Park during the Red vs Houston game Thursday afternoon. The Red offer all you can eat discounts on seats.So what you want had better be nothing more than lukewarm dogs, peanuts, popcorn, chips and soft drinks. No nachos for you. No brats or metts. No Skyline chili. No beer. Not even bottled water.
Following in the cleat prints of a dozen or so other Major League Baseball teams — most of which include nachos in their programs — the Reds this season inaugurated their version of the all-you-can-eat concept at Great American Ball Park. Inclusive tickets for most games cost $30 and are limited to seats in one mezzanine section located high above the end of the left field foul line. Tickets in the adjacent section cost $22.
For the $8 difference you get a wristband that entitles you to unlimited trips to the Broadway Dogs concession stand located behind Section 410. No prices are posted there and the personable, but barely trained, servers don't seem quite sure of what things would cost if you had to pay. Best estimate is: two dogs and you break even. Add a small soft drink and you're $4.50 ahead.
"It's been very popular," declares supervisor of guest relations Rob Shumate. "We get a lot of groups: company outings, church groups."
By the fourth inning of a Thursday, April 24, afternoon game that drew 17,403 customers, 63 were wearing white wristbands. Despite concerns by nutritionists that programs like this promote obesity, spectators in Section 410 appeared to have no more trouble squeezing into their seats than fans in other sections.
"I've had four hot dogs, two Mountain Dews and a bag of peanuts (best estimate: $29.50)," reported Brent Bradley, a fit-looking 40-year-old from Springboro.
"Four dogs, four drinks, a popcorn and a bag of chips ($41.75)," said 24-year-old Gregg Kottyan, a medical student from Cincinnati. His wife had one dog, four drinks, a popcorn and chips ($29.75).
"We definitely would do it again," said Gregg, who will have his next chance when the Reds return home to play the Chicago Cubs on May 5.
The concept may not be a grand slam, it might be a solid single. When they left, the only thing Section 410 fans were hungry for was a victory.
Comments
By Robyn
April 28, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
Good God-Nitrates,carbohydrates,salt,high fructose corn syrup and all the preservatives you can eat? Dang throw a little MSG in there and youve got one miserable drive home! By the way,are the seats extra wide or will the fata** next to me be elbowing me in the nose all night? US has a weight problem? What???
By T.Cook
April 26, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
It sounds like a good idea, but I don’t know about $30 a person. I have two kids and I know they don’t eat $30 worth of food at a game. Maybe if it was just my husband and I. But with it not including beer, my hubby would say it’s not a good deal. I guess we’ll have to try it once and see though.
By B Caulfield
April 26, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
I’m in Alabama on business for an extended stay. The Birmingham Barons [double a White Sox affiliate] have a deal on Thursday that is all you can eat [great food, full menu] and drink, beer included, for $22. The place is packed. You want to fill GABP? Try that.
By preacher,franklin,ohio
April 26, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
no,iwould,not glutiny is a sin geter done for jesus god bless.
By preacher,franklin,ohio
April 26, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
no,iwould,not glutiny is a sin geter done for jesus god bless.
By Boring
April 26, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
I wouldn’t. I don’t like baseball games, so the only thing I’d do is eat, just to pass the time. I’d rather snooze.
By Mikey, Tess, Gramps and Nanna
April 26, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
I just took a head count and did some calculating and came up with amazing savings. We usually have eight to 10 in our group, Momma, Me, two grand children and their friends and cousins. That equates to $240.00 to $300.00 a game, not including parking. The kids are always wanting food and drinks which would be another $300,00 to $350.00 before the night is over. Momma and I are on social security benefits. What is family togetherness worth? More than one million bucks! Thanks Bob and the Reds.
By Great Idea
April 26, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
This makes it nice when you have children and can barely afford to take them to the local movies since their high cost (s) are outrageous. Thanks to the REDS and VENDORS! What a nice way of giving back.
By chucktonian
April 26, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
ugh..lame-o.
this is why I hate going to sporting events in 2008. people eat constantly. Why does every social event have to be an excuse? no wonder everybody weighs 500 pounds.
By Bruce
April 26, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
My friends and I would definitely “do it” if they offered salads and cut vegetables.
By Betsy
April 26, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
If they were offering healthier and/or vegetarian options I would say yes, in this case, I’d have to say no way.
By Denise
April 26, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this
Maybe if the Reds would win a game or two I would feel like going to a game, but with their record right now, the free food isn’t going to cut it!
By porky
April 26, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this
hell yeah
By Ken Hallum
April 26, 2008 7:53 AM | Link to this
I sure would! I spend that much if not more whenever I go to games anyway. I think it is worth it.
By Carrie
April 26, 2008 7:35 AM | Link to this
I would! Looks like they have all the traditional ball park food on the all you can eat menu. Great idea!
By Frylock
April 26, 2008 12:31 AM | Link to this
I don’t know… throw in some chicken wings and I’m down.
By A. Smith
April 25, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this
This is a great idea! I like to go to games, but get really hungry and just can’t bring myself to spend all the extra money on food.