I know this is a hot issue every year. I see both sides to this discussion.

First I work in the food industry and run conceesions for the college I work for. Concessions prices are always going to be higher than what you can buy at a grocery store. Just like prices are higher at a C-Store when compared to a grocery store. When you let people bring food and drink into the games conceesion sales take a hit. I see every year in my world. I don't like when folks sneak food in to footballs games cause it hurts sales, but it something I have to live with.

From a a wrestling family point of view I see the high cost and think it hurts us on this weeknd. What you might not know is the Expo has a contract with a food service company, and I bet they have no control on the prices and most likely have it written into the contract that no food or drink is allowed to be brought in to the arena.

Fives years ago when I first got on the tournament committee and I went to my first meeting with the expo staff I argued long and hard about the choice of food being offered and the prices. I knew the answer that I was going to recieve, but to this day I bring the topic up very year when we have our pre-tournament meeting with the expo. They have made a few changes over the years on food choices and the hopefully will keep working making it better.

I know that when my kids were wrestling my wife would take the boys out to the car or in to town to eat. You have to what is right for your family. I know there were a lot of grills in the parking lot this year, maybe we should start tailgating!

On the topic of bag searches every major arena that I have ever been to has look thru my bags. I think that we go all year get in to use to a certian way and then the last tournament of the year to have a few more rules to follow.

I promise you as long as I am on the committee I will continue to fight for better concessions.

Ned