Stadium operators have lost their way by overcharging their customers on concession prices, said AMB Group CEO Steve Cannon, whose company owns the Falcons. The team made waves last year with news it would charge low prices for concessions at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which is scheduled to open in August. A family of four will be able to eat for $30, Cannon said. “In the stadium space, we have lost our way a little bit,” he said. “If you charge eight dollars for a hot dog, you have lost your way. ... Even if you are catering to a great demographic that can afford to drop that kind of money, it just leaves a bad taste in their mouth. So, we have broken the business model.” He pointed to The Masters, which is well known for low-priced food, as an example to follow. “Why build an incredible stadium and then create a barrier to entry that is your concession pricing?” he asked. Officials at other NFL clubs have pointed out that it is not fair to compare the Falcons to all clubs. The Falcons are in the midst of selling high-priced PSLs and so perhaps can better afford not to reap a high profit margin on food.
