Baseball and hot dogs go together like fireworks and Independence Day.
So what better venue to hold the regional qualifier for the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest than Citi Field.
The top male and female finishers at the event, to be held on Sunday, June 14, at 11 a.m. in the main entrance of the stadium’s Jackie Robinson Rotunda, will go on to compete in the famous food-eating competition in Coney Island.
According to the legend, the event started on July 4, 1916, the same year Nathan Handwerker opened his hot dog eatery in the neighborhood, and has been held there annually ever since.
“The launch of the annual hot dog eating contest circuit signals the impending arrival of summer,” said Wayne Norbitz, president and COO of Nathan’s Famous. “As we celebrate our 99th year, Nathan’s Famous is proud to be part of the American summer and all the enjoyment that it brings.”
Winners of the June 14 regional at Citi Field will face last year’s champions, Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo.
Chestnut of San Jose, California, who will seek his his ninth straight title in 2015, holds the current world record for eating 69 Nathan’s Famous hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. Sudo of Las Vegas, last year’s female winner, consumed 34 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes.
The competition is sanctioned by Major League Eating and in recent years has attracted an estimated 35,000 fans. Millions of viewers also watch from home on ESPN, which first started airing the contest in 2004.
Those interested in competing in the qualifier at Citi Field should visit www.majorleagueeating.com for more information and to register. All competitors must be over 18 years of age.
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