I did Citi Field's 999 Challenge — and it felt a lot like watching the Mets
Share this @internewscast.com

Attempting this “challenge” was a real letdown.

Citi Field attempted to capitalize on the popular “999 Challenge,” where baseball enthusiasts consume nine hot dogs and nine beers over nine innings. However, my experience on Opening Day ended up as a letdown typical of many Mets fans’ experiences — lacking in both excitement and beverages.

In the spirit of journalism, I took on this food-focused trial. Yet, the minuscule 2.5-ounce beers and petite hot dogs left me mostly feeling bloated and parched, with only a minimal buzz to show for my efforts.

Initially, I anticipated that this stomach-stretching endeavor might require a dose of Pepto Bismol and possibly a doctor on standby, so I sought advice from Geoffrey Esper, the world’s third-ranked competitive eater.

He recommended skipping breakfast and varying hot dog toppings to avoid “flavor fatigue” and channel my inner Joey Chestnut.

However, after shelling out $60 for the “999 Challenge” tray that included nine 3.5-inch hot dogs and a solitary 24-ounce can of Coors (Heineken was also an option), it became clear that all my preparation was in vain.

The tall boy was meant to be divided into nine barely-there glasses and sipped at a snail’s pace of one 2.5-ounce cup per each of the game’s innings. That’s only about the size of a double shot glass.

Lame.

“Not full glizzies?!” one fellow disappointed fan moaned at the slider-sized franks, using the slang term for hot dog.

“Those hot dogs look so sad,” another said.

The first two mini hot dogs went down easy, and I knocked back my tiny beer in just a couple sips. The little glasses are plastic souvenirs decorated with the Mets logo, which explained the price of the tray.

As I ate wiener after wiener — each served on a cracked and stale bun — I was dying for more to drink.

The booze-to-hot-dog ratio was not a winner. I needed more beer.

But my “cold one” had heated up to the temperature of lukewarm tea by the end of the sunny, three-hour affair.

By the third inning, I’d kissed the possibility of a buzz goodbye.

I managed to get the ultra-dry dogs — which didn’t actually taste that bad — down with the help of ketchup and mustard. It only took three bites per dog — but I still got uncomfortably full by the fourth inning. 

My stomach was protruding, and it got so hot, and my fingers started swelling. I was over it.

The giant tray set up on my lap also made it hard to stand up to cheer as the Mets dominated over the Pirates, ultimately winning 7 to 11.

In the end, I drank all 24 ounces of the beer and managed to choke down 6.5 of the dogs before growing wildly bloated and giving up.

I left feeling hot, tired and grumpy.

Now, I need a real drink.

— Additional reporting by Natalie O’Neill

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
White House says funds to pay TSA and Homeland Security workers will ‘soon run out’

Urgent Alert: White House Warns of Imminent Funding Shortage for TSA and Homeland Security Workers

The White House has issued a stark warning to Congress, indicating that…
Scott Peterson murder case: Los Angeles Innocence project plans appeal after new evidence rejected by judge

Los Angeles Innocence Project to Appeal Scott Peterson Murder Case Following Judge’s Rejection of New Evidence

A judge in California has rejected Scott Peterson’s bid to introduce new…
Katy Perry looks to build California youth camp, neighbors may have other plans

Katy Perry’s Ambitious California Youth Camp Proposal Faces Neighborhood Opposition

In a bid to create a transformative youth experience, a prominent pop…
Supreme Court voids majority Black congressional district in Louisiana, boosting Republican chances

Supreme Court Ruling Reshapes Louisiana’s Districts: What It Means for Future Elections

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court invalidated Louisiana’s second predominantly Black congressional district,…
LIRR unions blast MTA over stalled bargaining talks, threaten strike in May

Long Island Rail Road Unions Warn of May Strike Amid Stalled MTA Negotiations

Negotiations resumed on Wednesday between union leaders of the Long Island Rail…
Illegal immigrant accused of killing newlywed couple in Oregon crash arrested by ICE after jail release

ICE Detains Undocumented Immigrant Accused in Fatal Oregon Crash Following Jail Release

Federal immigration authorities have apprehended an undocumented Indian national, Rajinder Kumar, accused…
Royal family's past NYC visits as King Charles heads to Big Apple

King Charles’ NYC Trip: A Look Back at the Royal Family’s Memorable Visits to the Big Apple

King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to embark on a whirlwind…
Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac dream big as "Welcome to Wrexham" season five is set to premiere

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney Gear Up for ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ Season 5 Premiere: A Dream Bigger Than Ever

In 2021, as Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds finalized their acquisition of…
Indian man digs up sister's corpse, carries her to bank — so he can withdraw her money

Indian Man Exhumes Sister’s Body in Unusual Attempt to Access Her Bank Funds

A startling video has surfaced, showing an Indian man transporting his deceased…

Mamdani Labels Missed Deadline a ‘Historic’ Crisis, Seeks State Bailout Amid Collectivism Debate

New York City’s mayor, Zohran Mamdani, a self-proclaimed democratic socialist, has made…
DNA cracks 35-year cold case mystery as accused killer’s new name melts under cops’ heat

35-Year Cold Case Solved: DNA Unveils True Identity of Elusive Killer

In a significant breakthrough, California authorities have apprehended a suspect in a…
Carnival cruise ship passenger dies after falling from balcony – FBI investigates high-seas horror

FBI Launches Investigation into Tragic Balcony Fall Fatality Aboard Carnival Cruise Ship

A tragic incident unfolded aboard a Carnival Cruise Line ship Monday morning,…