The organizers of the annual Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest in New York said this year's event will go on as planned, but in a private location with no fans. George Shea, who hosts the event, told WOR's Len Berman and Michael Riedel In The Morning show that "it took us a long time to figure it out."
Nathan's Famous and Major League Eating has announced that the contest, which is held annually July 4th in Brooklyn's Coney Island, will take place amid the COVID-19 pandemic at a private location in the area without any spectators. The two 10-minute contests, one for men and one for women, will each only have five participants instead of the traditional 15 to abide by social distancing guidelines. "We are at least doing it but it certainly won't be what it typically has been in the past," said host George Shea.
Workers will wear masks and gloves during the event, and the competitors will all be tested for coronavirus before being allowed to compete. Last year's champions, Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo, are both expected to compete in this year's event. The event will be aired at noon July 4th on ESPN.
For more check out the interview with the Host of the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest George Shea...