Joey Chestnut Challenges Fans with Eating Contests During Baseball Matches
Minor league teams across the United States will host a series of food‑eating contests featuring Joey Chestnut, the 17‑time Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest champion. Chestnut’s first stop is the Wichita Wind Surge game on April 17, where he will compete against two fans in a chili bun challenge. Subsequent appearances include Oklahoma City on May 5, Birmingham on May 28, Reading on May 30, and several later dates in Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York, and beyond, each featuring local specialty foods such as tacos, Birming‑Hammer sandwiches, and bratwurst platters.
Chestnut, who set a record of 76 hot dogs at the 2021 Nathan’s contest, has stated that the minor league setting offers a relaxed atmosphere suitable for public eating contests. He has expressed interest in incorporating hot dog challenges at some venues as preparation for the July 4th Nathan’s event. Representatives of Diamond Baseball Holdings, the group that owns the participating teams, noted that the leagues provide a creative platform for showcasing regional cuisine.
The contests involve two contestants per event, with fans given the option to challenge Chestnut by purchasing packaged food items such as 10‑packs of cheeseburger dogs in Reading. Chestnut’s schedule is confirmed through early August, with the final two appearances slated for late July and early August in Wisconsin and the state of New York. The events are scheduled to run alongside regular game play, with organizers emphasizing safety and player availability.