Food, drink prices at Chevy Centre equal, less than similar venues

YOUNGSTOWN — A family of four attending an event at the Chevrolet Centre could easily spend about $40 for food and drinks at the facility.

The cost adds up quickly:

• $12 for four hot dogs.

• $5 for two pretzels.

• $2.50 for a bag of peanuts.

• $2.75 for a bag of popcorn.

• $6.50 for two soft drinks.

• $8 for two 16-ounce beers.

And it’s that cost that has city officials concerned.

They receive complaints about the price of food and drinks at the city-owned facility. Some people say they can’t afford to buy any food or beverage items, so they don’t go to the center, city officials say.

Because of that, the city is negotiating with Boston Culinary Group, the center’s food and beverage vendor, to lower those prices, said Mayor Jay Williams.

Making comparisons

A review by The Vindicator of the Chevrolet Centre and four other nearby entertainment facilities shows the prices at the Youngstown arena are, for the most part, equal to or slightly lower.

The other facilities are Eastwood Field in Niles, Canal Park in Akron, PNC Park in Pittsburgh and Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.

Read the complete story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com