The annual 2024 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest will feature a fresh broadcast crew on the iconic corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues on Coney Island this Fourth of July.
For the first time, E60 and Outside the Lines host Jeremy Schaap, along with college sports play-by-play commentator Tiffany Greene, will be calling the event. Schaap will be in the booth with Major League Eating President Rich Shea, while Greene will be on-site, reporting among the fans and eaters.
For the full broadcast schedule, see here.
Front Row spoke with Schaap and Greene to get their thoughts on this unique assignment.
What were your thoughts when approached about reporting the competition?
Greene: I did a double take when I got the message. Honestly, it’s a fun curveball for the summer. I have watched the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, but I never thought it would be something I would ever cover. It is always refreshing to do things that spark the fun side of journalism
Any thoughts on how you plan to report/cover such a unique event?
Schaap: As a fifth-generation New Yorker, with family roots in Brooklyn, and someone who has never been known to turn down a hot dog, I feel I have been building to this assignment my whole life.
Greene: This event lends itself to personality. After getting the assignment, I have watched a ton of past competitions. I was certainly entertained by the hilarious and heartwarming stories from the announcing team and eaters. In preparation for the event, I am reading a lot of articles and trying to get to know the eaters through that and social media platforms.
With Joey out, what is a silver lining you’d like to share with fans as intrigue to watch?
Schaap: I don’t think I am the first to say that Joey Chestnut is the Mozart of the mandible, the Babe Ruth of beef, the Joe Louis of the digestive tract – so, yes, things are different this year. There is a big void, a hollowness, but there is also an opportunity for a new champion to rise, and maybe the competition will come down to the last chew. That’s what I’m hoping for.
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