Early this morning, February 29th, 2024, the Philadelphia Phillies announced an end to the notorious promotion “Dollar Dog Night” in the upcoming 2024 season. Obviously, this sudden reveal has been met with a plethora of mixed reactions from fans, and staff members alike. What was so special about it? What caused the downfall of “Dollar Dog Night?”

First introduced in 1997, “Dollar Dog Night” was a promotional event that occurred 3-4 times over a season, and entailed ballpark hot dog prices to drop from $5 to $1 dollar on that given night. Over the years, due to crowding and otherwise destructive behavior, there was an inflicted limit on how many hot dogs an individual can purchase at once; in the 2023 season, it was 4. Though there was a capacity put on hot dog consumption at Citizens Bank on those fateful, promotional nights, that did not stop fans from consuming approximately 59,314 hot dogs on May 2nd, 2023.  

Given this information, you may be asking yourself, “Well, what was the problem with bringing in more money and driving up MLB attendance rates through a promotional event that excited every single fan in the ballpark?” The answer to this question can be found in the footage, professional and juvenile, of the April 25th, 2023 game against the Seattle Mariners. 

Picture this: It is the end of April, it is absolutely freezing as the sun begins to set, and the Phillies are down by 3; losing to the Mariners in the bottom of the 9th inning. You have been squished in between a crowd of intoxicated grown men, and sticky toddler’s that have been holding onto the same bowl of ice cream since the 2nd inning. You think to yourself, it absolutely can’t get any worse… can it? 

That’s when you see it. A greasy, squished hot dog flying onto the field from the second deck, falling directly next to Seattle Mariners center fielder, Cal Raleigh. From there, it is anarchy at Citizens Bank Park.

Dozens of hot dogs go flying onto the field, pelting anyone in their way. The game pauses as the innocent ball girls go to collect the neglected food. In a matter of moments, it seems that all hell has broken loose at the ballpark, as the Phillies players stare at the stands in confusion, and shock. To make matters even worse… the Phillies end up losing anyway.

This is exactly the reason for the suspension of “Dollar Dog Nights”一 the chaos and unruly behavior exhibited by the nearly 43 thousand people in attendance. 

Allow me to play devil’s advocate. Though it is an annoying thing to do during an intense ballgame, how unbelievably hilarious is it to throw a hot dog while entrenched in a fit of rage? Mind you, I am not saying that it is morally correct to throw pork products at others, but seeing a flying hot dog whizzing past your head, with no specific intent? Mid game? Admittedly, I understand the childish giggles and screams that erupted from the crowd at that moment. 

However, it is still an immature, and strange thing to perpetuate; peer pressure is always dangerous, no matter if it’s a dollar hot dog, or not. It was a stressful, and uncomfortable situation for all players, ball girls, and staff; one that should not be replicated ever again.

This is not to say I will not be mourning “Dollar Dog Night” in this upcoming season, as the energy that surrounds the stadium was thrilling; people were smiling, and laughing and genuinely enjoying themselves without feeling the shame of paying $5 for a singular hot dog. In an attempt to replicate that joy, and or gain similar revenue, the Phillies have announced that the 2024 season will see two “BOGO” hot dog nights, occurring on April 2nd, and April 16th. For this “BOGO” event, fans will once again buy a hot dog for $5, and get a second hot dog free. Hurray.

Let’s all relish in our final moments of joy found in the experiences of “Dollar Dog Night,” lamenting affordable hot dogs for the masses, and praising that the players remained unscathed (if you don’t count the layers of grease that culminated on their uniforms). The Phillies return to Citizens Bank Park on March 28th, where they will face the Atlanta Braves in a 3 game series. I hope to see you there this season, HFU! Play ball!

Susie DiPietro is a senior English major, and creative writing minor at Holy Family University. She is currently interning in her second semester as an Executive Editor of Tri-Lite. Her interests include film, vintage fashion, and music.