Lower-priced hot dogs, beers and more will be available at Target Field's two State Fair standsGETTY IMAGES
The Twins are "sharply cutting prices on some traditional concession items at two locations in Target Field," according to Paul Walsh of the Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE. The team said it is "discounting prices on hot dogs, nachos, soft pretzels, peanuts, popcorn, soft drinks and specific beers in hopes of making the expense of coming to a game more affordable for families." The lower-priced items will be at the ballpark's two "State Fair" stands. Some of the discounted items do not have an apples to apples comparison for the "same food and drink sold elsewhere" in the ballpark, and regular prices on some of these items have been "nudged up a bit" from '18 (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 3/7). In Minneapolis, Nick Halter noted there is "going to be a $5 beer -- Budweiser or Bud Light." However, the beers are 12 ounces, "compared to the normal price of $9 for 20 ounces." Sodas are "going from $6.50 for 20 ounces to $2 for 16 ounces" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 3/6).
TREND SETTERS: In DC, Jacob Bogage notes since Mercedes-Benz Stadium debuted cheaper food prices, other professional and college sports franchises have "followed suit with price cuts, albeit not as extreme." AMB Sports & Entertainment is "encouraging more major sports venues to try out a similar strategy and has been advising interested NFL teams." AMB COO & Exec VP Greg Beadles said, "We’re the evangelists on this. You can give back to the fans here, and the dollars might not be the same as before, but the brand equity and the relationship you have with your fans is much improved." AMB is still "making money, even though the profit margin on concessions is much slimmer." Last season, 10% of fans "arrived an hour or earlier before kickoff of Falcons games, which led to a jump in pregame food sales and merchandise sales" (WASHINGTON POST, 3/7).
