The "Honest Oversight of Ticketed Dining and Onsite Grub Act," or HOTDOG Act, mandates that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) undertake a comprehensive study on concession pricing practices. This study will focus on a nationwide sample of covered venues , defined as stadiums or arenas that host events, require ticketed entry, offer food and drink, and were constructed or operated with public subsidies. The bill's findings highlight concerns about unaffordable concession costs at major sporting events and concerts, despite significant public investments in these venues. The FTC's study must investigate several key areas, including the actual prices of food and drink items offered within these venues. It will also compare these prices to those for similar items sold in the surrounding communities, such as local bars and restaurants, to identify potential disparities. Furthermore, the study will analyze various pricing practices employed by venues, such as dynamic pricing , the application of service fees, and the use of promotional deals. A crucial component of the study involves assessing the extent to which venues disclose concession prices to consumers before purchase, both online and at the point of entry. The FTC is also tasked with identifying consumer-friendly pricing policies that could balance affordability for attendees with venue operational costs. This includes exploring options like price caps on certain items or offering reduced-price menu selections, with the goal of making concessions more accessible. Within one year of the bill's enactment, the FTC must submit a report to Congress detailing the study's results and providing recommendations for legislative, regulatory, and industry actions to enhance affordability and transparency in concession pricing.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Commerce
HOTDOG Act
USA119th CongressHR-6859| House
| Updated: 12/18/2025
The "Honest Oversight of Ticketed Dining and Onsite Grub Act," or HOTDOG Act, mandates that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) undertake a comprehensive study on concession pricing practices. This study will focus on a nationwide sample of covered venues , defined as stadiums or arenas that host events, require ticketed entry, offer food and drink, and were constructed or operated with public subsidies. The bill's findings highlight concerns about unaffordable concession costs at major sporting events and concerts, despite significant public investments in these venues. The FTC's study must investigate several key areas, including the actual prices of food and drink items offered within these venues. It will also compare these prices to those for similar items sold in the surrounding communities, such as local bars and restaurants, to identify potential disparities. Furthermore, the study will analyze various pricing practices employed by venues, such as dynamic pricing , the application of service fees, and the use of promotional deals. A crucial component of the study involves assessing the extent to which venues disclose concession prices to consumers before purchase, both online and at the point of entry. The FTC is also tasked with identifying consumer-friendly pricing policies that could balance affordability for attendees with venue operational costs. This includes exploring options like price caps on certain items or offering reduced-price menu selections, with the goal of making concessions more accessible. Within one year of the bill's enactment, the FTC must submit a report to Congress detailing the study's results and providing recommendations for legislative, regulatory, and industry actions to enhance affordability and transparency in concession pricing.