Reading Phillies to celebrate Gluttony Night

ACCORDING TO a recent World Health Organization study, two-thirds of Americans are overweight, and numbers since 1960 have skyrocketed when it comes to obesity.

With that being said . . .

For just $10, you can stuff your face Monday as the Reading Phillies plan to hold "Save Gluttony Night" at First Energy Stadium. The annual event allows fans to purchase a wristband giving them access to unlimited junk food at the concession stands until the seventh-inning stretch.

According to a release from the Reading Phillies, the last Gluttony Night in June found that the average person consumed $24.51 worth of food per $10 investment. The fare features hot dogs, french fries, funnel cake, ice cream and a choice of Pepsi products with which to wash it all down.

But the event has soured in its past few runs and executives hope enough people feel the love in their gut to keep it alive.

"We are excited to bring fans one more Gluttony Night this season," said general manager Scott Hunsicker. "But we really want fans to come out and show their support, or it could be the last Gluttony Night we ever do here in Reading. "

We'll agree that baseball just ain't baseball without a hot dog, peanuts and Cracker Jack.

But multiples of each is a bit much. Hunsicker, however, begs to differ.

"In 2009, the number of people that came out for Gluttony Night was tremendous. [In 2010], the number of 'Gluttons' has been down a bit. We'll see how many people want the deal [Monday], and then decide if Gluttony Night makes the promo calendar for 2011.

"Speaking frankly, we would love to host Gluttony Night again in 2011."

And continue to contribute to an ever-budding epidemic.

According to a report on Soccer America Daily yesterday, expansion into Philadelphia has vastly aided Major League Soccer attendance numbers, up 2 percent over last year's average around the same time.

Union attendance ranks third best (20,345) in MLS behind Toronto FC (20,655) and Seattle (36,154).

- Kerith Gabriel