Go Nuts!: Competitive eating legend Joey Chestnut to tackle Cider Donut Challenge at Heritage Financial Park on Friday, July 31

Wappingers Falls, N.Y. (Feb. 25, 2026) – This summer the Hudson Valley Renegades say goodbye to their beloved Cider Donuts alternate identity as Dusty the Donut bids farewell to the fans at Heritage Financial Park. However, Dusty’s departure will not be a sad occasion, but a celebration of the sweet treat and the joy it brings to all who enjoy them.

The Renegades have announced today that the world’s #1 competitive eater, Joey Chestnut, will be appearing at Heritage Financial Park during the Renegades’ July 31 game against the Jersey Shore BlueClaws to kick off the celebration weekend.

BUY TICKETS TO THE JOEY CHESTNUT MEET & GREET

“We’ve thrown down the gauntlet and the greatest competitive eater in history has answered the challenge. We are excited to welcome Joey Chestnut to Heritage Financial Park this season,” said Tom Denlinger, General Manager of the Renegades. “It’s not every day that you get to see one of the masters go to work, but our fans will be able to do just that on July 31 as he tackles the Renegades Cider Donut Challenge.”

The 17-time winner of the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest and holder of 55 world records will take on a uniquely Hudson Valley challenge by becoming the first person ever to face the Renegades Cider Donut Challenge.

The event will take place in The Valley at Heritage Financial Park with a one-hour ticketed meet and greet preceding the Cider Donut Challenge.

Fans can watch this historic moment with a ticket package that gets them access to the pre-event meet and greet with Chestnut, a pregame ballpark buffet, and a ticket to the game in the 200-level of Heritage Financial Park. A limited number of meet-and-greet packages are available starting now, and can be purchased by clicking here.

In addition to Chestnut’s appearance, Friday, July 31 promises to be one of the best nights of the summer at Heritage Financial Park, as the Renegades celebrate a Fireworks Friday by capping the night off with a postgame fireworks show.

For more information and to purchase tickets to the event, fans can contact the Renegades Ticket Office from Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., by calling (845) 838-0094 or by sliding to www.hvrenegades.com.

The Renegades are one of several clubs on the Diamond Baseball Holdings roster welcoming competitive eating legend Joey Chestnut to their lineup of family-friendly ballpark experiences this season.

ABOUT THE HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES

The Hudson Valley Renegades have served as the High-A affiliate of the New York Yankees since 2021 and are three-time South Atlantic League North Division Champions. Since 1994, the Renegades have provided the Hudson Valley with affordable, family-friendly entertainment through the game of baseball at Heritage Financial Park, part of the award-winning Dutchess County Parks system. Learn more about hosting your event at the ballpark at www.heritagefinancialpark.com.

Summit Club Memberships and Group Tickets for the 2026 season are on sale now, and may be purchased at www.hvrenegades.com or over the phone by calling (845) 838-0094. Keep up to date on Renegades news by following the team (@HVRenegades) on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

ABOUT DIAMOND BASEBALL HOLDINGS

Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH) was formed in 2021 to support, promote and enhance Minor League Baseball Clubs affiliated with Major League Baseball through professional management, best practices, innovation and investment (DiamondBaseballHoldings.com).